INDIA: Police Watch as Christians Suffer Mob Attack

Source: VOMC
Source: International Christian Concern

The entrance to a Hindu complex. Photo: Wikipedia / Ms. Sarah Welch

As police officers stood by and watched, hundreds of people attacked 14 Christians in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on October 30th. The violent incident occurred after the victimized followers of Jesus refused to abandon their Christian faith, despite orders from tribal leaders to do so.

Having been beaten with wooden rods by participating members of the volatile mob, the assaulted believers suffered various injuries in the aftermath of the attack, such as head trauma and broken bones. The perpetrators also demolished the Christians' homes and destroyed their harvested crops.

Among the injured was the only police officer who attempted to intervene on behalf of the victims. It is unknown why the majority of the officers failed to fulfill their duty to protect these targeted citizens. Such violence against Christians is far too common in India, and mob attacks are often instigated by militant Hindu nationalists.
For more reports concerning the suffering of our persecuted Christian family in India, go to our country profile.

Pray for the complete recovery of those who were injured during this recent attack, asking the Lord to minister His healing touch upon each of these victims – both physically and emotionally. 

May He also divinely work within the hearts and minds of all the residents in this community, encouraging them to live peaceably together despite their religious differences. 

In addition, please intercede for India's governing authorities, praying that they will realize the importance of providing protection for all the country's citizens, and not only those with whom they agree.

PAKISTAN: Vigilante Groups Orchestrate Online Blasphemy Cases

Source: VOMC
Sources: Dawn, MSN, The Hindu, Morning Star News

A protest against Pakistan's blasphemy laws. Photo: Wikipedia / Vivek Ravikumar (cc)

While accusations of blasphemy in Pakistan are common and can be motivated by interpersonal conflicts or business disputes, there has been a notable increase in allegations based on social media posts.
(To read previously published reports about Christians who have been charged with blasphemy, go to our country profile.)

According to the research findings of the AFP news agency, many such cases are taking place as a result of organized "vigilante groups" led by lawyers and the support of volunteers scouring the Internet for offenders. In some cases, unsuspecting social media participants are duped by strangers into sharing content that could be deemed blasphemous, resulting in police reports being filed against them.

For example, a man joined a WhatsApp group in search of a job. He was contacted by a woman who sent him objectionable images. When he confronted her, she denied sending the images and asked him to forward them to her – falsely stating that by doing so, she would then know what he was talking about. After sending her the images, he was the one accused of sharing blasphemous content.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) states that there are groups working to "witch-hunt" people, sometimes fabricating evidence due to "vested agendas." Pakistan's National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) reports that, as of July 25th, a total of 767 people accused of blasphemy were being detained in jails across the country; compared to 213 in 2023, and 64 in 2022. The reasons why these vigilante groups are involved tend to vary. One police report suggests that some of the accusers are motivated by financial gains.

A group known as the Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan proudly reports that they are prosecuting more than 300 cases, believing that their "God has chosen them for this noble cause." Sharaz Ahman Farooqi, who leads the group, was the complainant in a case that led to the conviction of a Christian woman named Shagufta Kiran this past September. (More details on her case are available here.) Another group has been responsible for the eventual conviction of 27 people over the past three years. For those who are found guilty, convictions of blasphemy carry a mandatory life imprisonment or death sentence.

In its report on the situation, the NCHR is calling for a "comprehensive review" of the roles and accountability of both government and private entities. In addition to concerns over the startling increase of false accusations, the growing number of cases has led to severe overcrowding in prison areas that are reserved for those accused of blasphemy.

Pray that Pakistan's governing leaders would respond appropriately by taking necessary action against the members of "vigilante groups" whose aim is to destroy the lives of fellow citizens by accusing them of blasphemy. 

For those of our Christian family who are presently contending with such allegations, please pray that they will receive greatly needed legal assistance and advocacy so their cases could be justly rejected or overturned. 

Also remember the many believers who have been imprisoned over the years, asking the Lord to likewise provide them and their loved ones the protection, strength, encouragement and hope that's needed each day so they can stand firm in their faith and thus testify of His sustaining power and grace.

SUDAN: Displaced Christians Driven From Their Homes

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, SPLM-N

A group of people in Sudan. Photo: Wikipedia / Nina R (cc)

Residents of the Al-Makniya area of Sudan's River Nile state drove 34 displaced Christians from their homes on October 19th. Those responsible for the displacement explained that they did not want any Christians nor black people in the area.

The recently expelled Christians had previously fled conflict in Omdurman, a city located near the capital of Khartoum, before seeking shelter in the Al-Makniya area. According to one of the affected believers, some of the local residents falsely accused the Christian refugees of stealing livestock and "violating public morals." However, police later confirmed that the hostility towards the believers was religiously motivated and had nothing to do with those accusations.

Initially, about 30 people from the neighbourhood approached the Christians, asking them to leave. When that did not work, the opposing villagers returned with more supporters. Some days later, when the Christian refugees were approached for a third time, the majority of originating Al-Makniya community members rallied together against them. Given only three days to vacate the area, the refugees were forced to leave on October 19th without any help or protection from the authorities.

Some of the displaced believers have since moved on to the city of Sendi, while others returned to Omdurman, despite the ongoing violence there. "We are currently in a very bad humanitarian situation, as we have lost our shelter," reported one of the exiled Christians. With concerns for the welfare of the children, women and elderly among them, the believer spoke of another major setback to their survival: "We have lost our livelihoods [which helped to] provide for our basic daily needs."
For further reports addressing the various challenges encountered by our Christian family in Sudan, go to our country profile.

During this time of uncertainty, please pray that the Lord will meet the urgent needs of our displaced Sudanese brothers and sisters in Christ who have once again been forced to uproot their families and restart their lives in a different part of this war-torn nation. 

Ask God to provide these precious believers divine protection and strength, as well as the wisdom and guidance they need to determine what steps to take next. 

As they seek His direction, and endeavour to live honourably for Him, may they not only find physical refuge in a safe and welcoming location, but also spiritual refuge and solace in the reassuring presence and provision of their Heavenly Father – powerful reminders of His steadfast love for them.

CHINA: Coordinated Raids on Beijing Church Meetings

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Church in Chains

One of the Beijing Zion Church congregations. Photo: ChinaAid

On the morning of October 20th, multiple branches of the Beijing Zion Church had gathered for their usual worship services when police and religious affairs officials simultaneously forced their way into the meetings. The identities of everyone present were recorded and 12 people, including pastors and church members, were taken into custody.

By eight o'clock that evening, most of the detained Christians had been released. However, Elder Qin Guoliang from the church's Guomao branch was kept in custody and given a 14-day administrative detention for "organizing illegal gatherings."

These raids are a continuation of the authorities' harassment towards the Beijing Zion Church and other unregistered places of worship in China. 
To learn more about the challenges encountered by our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ, see our previously published reports at our country profile.

Pray for the ongoing ministry of members belonging to the Beijing Zion Church and other believers who are encountering severe governmental opposition, asking the Lord to provide them encouragement, guidance and courage as they faithfully reach out to the people of their nation with the truth of God's Word. 

May He also greatly strengthen these oppressed Christians in China so they can victoriously overcome all the challenges they are experiencing; and, throughout the process, receive the wisdom they need to respond to their persecutors in a Christ-like manner. 

Continue to prayerfully remember the many believers who are presently serving time in Chinese prisons because of their faith.

PAKISTAN: Bail Granted for Christians Facing Blasphemy Charges

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Release International

Zimran Asim with his lawyer. Photo: Christian Daily International-Morning Star News

The previous week's Persecution & Prayer Alert reported on an unusual case in which bail was granted to Saima Masih, a Christian woman who was accused of blasphemy in Pakistan. (Read the previously published report.) While Saima has been freed from prison, she remains in danger from the avenging violence of militant vigilantes who are seeking to achieve what they falsely perceive as "justice." Remarkably, this past October, two similar blasphemy cases came before the Pakistani courts in which other accused Christians were also released on bail.

An ambulance driver and father of two named Chand Shamaun was arrested in June and charged with insulting Islam under the nation's anti-terrorism laws. However, a two-judge bench of the Lahore High Court ruled on October 10th that there were notable loopholes in the police case against the Christian man. First of all, no evidence had been gathered, and then the only "witness" was a known police informer who has frequently been involved in false cases. As a result, Chand was released from prison on October 23rd.

In a separate case, Zimran Asim was arrested in August 2023 and charged with three counts of blasphemy. However, Zimran's only "crime" had been his association with someone who was also accused of insulting the Islamic faith. This April and July, the Lahore High Court granted him bail for two of the three blasphemy convictions. Later, on October 30th, bail was given for the third and final conviction, resulting in his release. Once again, the judges ruled in this case that there was no evidence supporting the accusations against the Christian man.

While both Chand and Zimran are now able to be with their families, they have gone into hiding for their safety. According to Zimran's lawyer, Aneeqa Maria, his family had already fled the area after their home and all their possessions were taken by other villagers following the accused Christian's arrest. "Zimran Asim's case is a fitting example of how innocent people are implicated in false cases by individuals as well as the police," states Aneeqa. "This poor man was forced to suffer in prison, away from his family for over one year. They also lost their home and can't even think of going back to their village."

Under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, those found guilty are automatically sentenced to death, though the authorities have not yet carried out the death penalty for this crime. Unfortunately, these laws are frequently used to settle interpersonal disagreements, business disputes, or simply because of the accusers' hatred towards Christians and other religious minorities.
For more details, see our country report.

Praise God for the recent court decisions which have allowed these believers to be released from prison and reunited with their loved ones! 

Pray that the Lord will now divinely shelter Saima, Chand, Zimran – along with their families – from any further harm and harassment. 

May He also transform the legal system of Pakistan so that people will not be able to abuse the country's laws for personal reasons. 

Pray that lawmakers will reconsider the role of the blasphemy laws in Pakistani society and work towards ensuring better treatment for our Christian family in this South Asian nation.

ALAYSIA: Classified Report on Pastor Raymond Koh

Source: VOMC
Sources: Mission Network News, Malay Mail, International Christian Concern

Pastor Raymond Koh

Since the disappearance of her husband in 2017, Susanna Koh has continued to search for answers. In 2020, the Christian woman filed a lawsuit against the Malaysian government in an attempt to force them to reveal what they know about the abduction of her husband, Pastor Raymond Koh. As a result of the lawsuit, the government was ordered to release the classified findings of a task force that had been created to look into Pastor Raymond's disappearance, as well as that of a social activist named Amri Che Mat.

Recently, as was reported in a previously published Persecution & Prayer Alert report, Susanna was finally given a copy of this investigative document (read more). Since then, court officials have been hearing testimonies based on information released in the report. During a recent court session, the head of the task force, Datuk Abdul Rahim Uda, stated that Pastor Raymond's kidnapping was not an "enforced disappearance" and that the evidence does not point to government involvement. Instead, blame is being directed towards a former contract worker with the police, Saiful Bahari Abd Aziz, and other rogue officers who acted independently. It was noted that Saiful's gold-coloured vehicle was spotted at the scene of both disappearances, as shown in security videos.

The report is critical of the inaction demonstrated by the police and governing officials during their initial investigations into the abductions. For Susanna and her lawyers, many questions remain, and the case is far from over. Todd Nettleton from the Voice of the Martyrs USA questions whether blame can really be diverted from the government and police, particularly since Saiful had been employed by the special forces for more than a decade.

In a recently made statement, Todd echoes the call of Susanna and others who are seeking answers: "There's a fair amount of smoke and mirrors going on. 'Let's argue about what we call it (forced disappearance or something else),' instead of talking about 'Where is Pastor Raymond Koh? What happened to him?'"
For more information on Pastor Raymond's case, watch the latest episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, in which host Greg Musselman conducts an informative interview with Todd Nettleton: VOMCanada.com/video/my-wheres-koh.htm.

Pray that the judge hearing this case will have wisdom and discernment in determining the truth about Pastor Raymond's disappearance, along with the courage to announce the revealed truth despite governmental opposition. 

Pray for continued strength on behalf of Susanna as she endures this long and painful journey in an attempt to discover what truly happened to her husband. 

Finally, if Pastor Raymond is still alive, may he sense the prayers of his Christian brothers and sisters around the world – reminders that he has not been forgotten by his global family in Christ – and thus receive greatly needed encouragement, guidance and help through the comforting presence of God's Holy Spirit.

Prayer for the Persecuted, Monday November 4, 2024 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer
   
   
2. Scripture: Jesus, Persecution & Faith: Isaiah 58:6-9
   
   
3. Worship: Jesus, Persecution & Faith: Somebody prayed for me (Persecuted Church)
   
   
4. Jesus, Persecution & Faith: 2024 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church | Official Tr...
   
   
5. Jesus, Persecution & Faith: PAKISTAN: Teen Girl Released from her Abductors
   
   
6. Jesus, Persecution & Faith: The Martinez Family | International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christi...
   
   
7. Jesus, Persecution & Faith: Colombia - Pastor and Family Flee for Lives from "Red Zone" Guerrillas
   
   
8. Jesus, Persecution & Faith: Nigeria - All In: How One Pastor Risks Everything to Share Christ with Fulani Muslims
   
   
9. Jesus, Persecution & Faith: CHINA: Preacher of Early Rain Church Faces Harassment

CHINA: Preacher of Early Rain Church Faces Harassment

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Preacher Wu Wuqing Photo: ChinaAid

Since December 2018, the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, has been subjected to repeated raids and ongoing oppression from Communist Party authorities who seek to shut down the influential unregistered church. Though the church's pastor, Wang Yi, is serving a nine-year prison sentence, members of the church continue to boldly reach out with the Gospel message.

One church member, Preacher Wu Wuqing, has experienced persecution several times. In June 2021, he and his family were locked in their home and prevented from leaving or having any visitors. Since confining the church leader to his home had failed to dissuade him from continuing his Christian activities, the authorities blocked the family – along with numerous other church members – from entering their apartment complex in 2023. Additionally, following numerous raids on his church gatherings, Preacher Wu has been repeatedly detained. After a 14-day detention in February 2024, his wife simply stated: "14 days is nothing. We are so happy to gather today, and when [my husband] returns in 14 days, we will gather again."

More recently, Preacher Wu's family has been pressured to move out of their rental home. On July 30th, water and electricity were cut off in an effort to force the harassed Christians to move. The utilities were eventually restored in late September, only to be cut off again on October 17th. While these believers were initially able to restore the power and water (which had been turned off manually), only a few hours later, the wires to their home were then cut.

It is clear that the intention of this harassment is to force the church leader and his family to relocate. Preacher Wu has asked church members to pray for his family and remove any anger from their hearts. He wrote: "When you pray for our family, you are acknowledging that we are suffering for the sake of our faith, and you are suffering with us! May God have mercy on us and graciously help us!"
For further details on the ongoing persecution of the Early Rain Covenant Church and its members, go to our country report.

Despite the repeated harassment they have received from local governing authorities, pray that Preacher Wu and his family will maintain a forgiving and gracious attitude toward their oppressors. 

May the preacher's family, along with other members of the Early Rain Covenant Church, continue to minister the love of God and the wonderful hope He provides through His Word to those in their community and throughout China. 

Also pray for ongoing strength, encouragement and protection on behalf of Pastor Wang and the many other Christians in China who are presently serving time in prison for following the teachings of Jesus.

CHINA: Pastor John Cao and Colleague Detained for Conducting Baptisms

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Church in Chains

Pastor John Cao baptizing a believer. Photo: ChinaAid

On March 4th, Pastor John Cao was released from imprisonment in China after serving a seven-year sentence. Since his release, the pastor has longed to return to the United States, where he holds permanent residency, in order to reunite with his wife and family there. However, the Chinese government has prevented Pastor John from leaving the country by withholding his ID card and passport. (Read more.)

Despite this opposition, Pastor John is faithfully continuing his ministry activities. Recently, this Christian leader paid a visit to Preacher Chang Hao in Zhenxiong. While there, he participated in the baptism of 13 new believers. Since Preacher Chang is not an ordained pastor, he requested Pastor John's assistance out of respect for church tradition. However, just as the outdoor service was concluding, over 20 police officers intervened.

The 30 attending Christians – most of whom were elderly citizens – had then been taken to the police station for interrogation. While Pastor John and the other believers were finally released after midnight, Preacher Chang received a 12-day detainment for organizing an illegal religious gathering.

Altogether, Preacher Chang has received more than 20 "administrative detentions" due to his alleged illegal religious work. In May 2024, he was released from prison after serving a one-year sentence for allegedly "picking quarrels and provoking trouble." When he was younger, Preacher Chang's hands were badly burned in a factory fire, leaving him unable to hold objects. However, his injuries have not prevented him from leading a small rural church and courageously spreading the Gospel message.

Praise God for the ongoing determination of Preacher Chang Hao, Pastor John Cao and the many other faithful believers throughout China who are sharing the message of Christ's love with those around them in spite of the growing pressures they encounter. 

May these resilient followers of Jesus receive ongoing encouragement and the assurance that His presence will always remain with them. 

Please also prayerfully lift up the recently baptized believers as they now live out their commitment to following in the footsteps of Jesus. 

Finally, pray that Pastor John will be able to leave the country soon, allowing this long-suffering believer to finally be reunited with his wife and family.

PAKISTAN: Teen Girl Released from her Abductors

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, The Christian Post

Diya Iftikhar (third from left) with parents and attorneys.  Photo: Christians True Spirit

On September 12th, 16-year-old Diya Iftikhar was abducted from her family's home by three men who are well-known for their opposition to Christians. In a video message to her parents four days later, Diya stated that she had converted to Islam and married Ghazaal Jutt, one of her kidnappers.
(Review a previous report.)

Thanks to the assistance of a Christian organization, Diya's parents were able to file a court petition requesting the custody of their daughter. When the judge noticed Diya's anxiety and fear during the October 24th hearing at the Jaranwala Sessions Court, all other civilians were ordered to vacate the courtroom. Once she was alone, the young teen was able to tell the court that she had been converted and married against her will, and that she wished to return to her family. Consequently, custody was awarded to Diya's parents.

After the court ruling, Diya and her parents were escorted from the court by police due to concerns that they could be attacked. Since the victim and her abductors live in the same village, the family may need to move to a safe house for their protection.

Kidnappings of this kind are far too common in Pakistan. Asher Sarfraz from Christians True Spirit described the situation by stating, "Diya is one of the few girls who gathered the courage to expose their abductors in court." Additionally, even when these types of cases go to court, judges frequently ignore evidence and documentation.

Pakistan is one of several nations in which Christian women and girls experience added persecution and violence.
This year's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church – which is scheduled for this Sunday, November 3rd – will be focusing on the plight of women and girls who often silently endure great hardships for the name of Christ. To receive more information about this upcoming event, visit IDOP.ca.

Praise God that the judge overseeing Diya's case was able to perceive her plight and provide greatly needed rescue from her abductors, making it possible for this teenage girl to be safely reunited with her parents. 

As Diya and her family now recover from the trauma of the ordeal, ask our compassionate Lord to minister His healing, peace and restoration in each of their lives. 

Pray also that necessary measures will be taken to protect the members of this family from Diya's captors and any other hostile members of their community.

PAKISTAN: Bail Granted for Woman Accused of Blasphemy

Source: VOMC
Source: Morning Star News

In August of this year, two Christian sisters were accused of blasphemy when a Muslim man claimed to find ruined pages of the Quran amongst garbage, stating that one of the sisters had discarded them. Both sisters denied his allegation, believing that the pages were purposely placed there by the man himself because of the personal vendetta he had against them.
(More about the situation is available here.)

When Saima, a widowed mother of two, was taken into custody, her sister Sonia managed to flee the village with her family after the allegations had surfaced. Sonia is presently living in hiding with her three children. Although the investigating officer did not find her guilty during his inquiry, Sonia remains in grave danger from those who may impose their own forms of punishment upon her. Furthermore, the charges against her have not been fully dismissed.

In an unusual court decision, Saima was granted bail on September 10th. For security reasons, news of her release was withheld until she was able to find safety. Like her sister, Saima and her family remain in danger from militant vigilantes.

The lawyer representing the two women is filing an application to have the charges dropped. At last report, the court filing is pending.
For more reports addressing the persecution encountered by Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile.

Praise God that Sonia and Saima are not being detained in prison at this time. 

Pray that God will guide their lawyer as he works to build his case, so that all charges against these Christian women will be dropped. 

May these two sisters – along with the many other Christians in Pakistan who are in danger simply because of their faith in Christ – be protected from those seeking to harm them. 

Throughout the process, may they also receive renewed courage, hope and strength from the Lord.

Somebody prayed for me (Persecuted Church)