Monday, January 30, 2023
Thursday, January 26, 2023
DR CONGO: Fatal Church Bombing
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, UN Peacekeeping, VOA, Disciples of Christ, Nation Media
On January 15th, a joint baptismal service was held in the town of Kasindi, which is located in eastern DR Congo. During the service, two men apparently entered the building and left a bag containing explosives before vacating the church premises. The resulting explosion killed at least 14 people and injured dozens of others. As the local hospital was quickly filled with wounded church members, some of the victims had to be transported by United Nations helicopters to the provincial capital of Goma.
The self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which is believed to have been perpetuated by the ADF, a rebel group with affiliations to IS. While violence from rebel groups has caused havoc in eastern DR Congo for years, this latest attack directly targeted Christians as they were praying. One church elder believes it was done to threaten and instill fear among members of the Christian community. A Kenyan national, who was allegedly involved in planning the attack, has been arrested.
In response to the incident, the Church of Christ in Congo has called for a time of national mourning. They further urged all believers living in this African nation to be extra vigilant in places of worship. For other reports on persecution of Christians in this war-torn nation, go to this list of reports.
Pray that God's peace will calm the anxious minds and hearts of all who have been affected by this horrific event.
Additionally, please pray for the physical and emotional healing of our brothers and sisters in Christ who sustained injuries during the attack.
May the Holy Spirit also minister greatly needed comfort to all who are mourning the loss of loved ones.
Ask the Lord to guide the efforts of the country's governing forces and other organizations that are diligently working to bring peace to this troubled region, resulting in positive changes taking place in the lives of the perpetrators as well.
NIGERIA: Pastor Shot and Worshippers Abducted
Source: VOMC
Sources: Peoples Gazette, TheCable.ng, Morning Star News, BBC
Armed militants invaded the village of Dantsauri in Katsina State, northern Nigeria, on January 15th. During the raid, Pastor Haruna, who serves as the leader of the local New Life for All Church, was shot and injured. As many as 25 Christians were then kidnapped but, according to subsequent news reports, most of them were able to escape.
At last report, police confirmed that five women are still being held captive by the militants. These women, who range in age from 13 to 49, were captured while they were on their way to the Sunday church service. One report suggests that two young children may have been with the women during the abduction.
While police were called to the village, by the time they arrived, the attackers had already escaped with their victims. The authorities are continuing to search for those responsible. At the time of publishing this Persecution & Prayer Alert report, there has been no contact with the kidnappers.
Over the years, many innocent civilians residing within the nation of Nigeria have been subjected to extreme violence from armed insurgents. In many cases, Christians were specifically targeted by fellow Nigerians who adhere to militant Islamic viewpoints. In the 2023 World Watch List, which was recently released by Open Doors, it is noted that violence against Christians is more extreme in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world.
Out of the 5,623 Christians documented to have been killed for their faith worldwide in 2022, 5,014 of these slayings took place in Nigeria. For more reports addressing the violence perpetrated against Nigeria's Christians, go to our country report.
In the aftermath of this recent attack, please pray that the Lord will administer divine healing and strength to Pastor Haruna, resulting in the full recovery of this faithful church leader.
Also prayerfully remember the group of kidnapped Christian women and children remaining in captivity. May each one of these abducted victims experience God's protection – as well as greatly needed comfort, hope and courage – while awaiting release or rescue from their captors.
Furthermore, please pray on behalf of the victims' concerned families, joining in their heartfelt intercessory pleas for the hopeful safe return of their abducted loved ones.
ERITREA: 44 Christians Arrested; Three Others Released
Source: VOMC
Sources: Church in Chains, Release International, UCA News, Christian Solidarity Worldwide
According to a recent report, 44 believers have been arrested from private homes in Eritrea by governing officials since the beginning of 2023. The group – consisting of 39 women and five men – are being held at the Mai Serwa prison on the outskirts of the Eritrean capital of Asmara. No further details are available at this time.
In a separate case relating to three other Christian prisoners, diplomatic action from the Vatican likely played a part in their release. In mid-October, three Catholic clerics – Mihretab Stefanos, Abba Abraham Habtom Gebremariam and Bishop Abune Fikremariam Hagos – were detained, despite belonging to one of the few faith communities approved by the Eritrean government. (See this page for more details on their arrests.)
Father Gebremariam was released on November 23rd. The other two men were discharged on December 28th. News of their release came after videos emerged of the bishop being greeted at the Catholic cathedral in Asmara. While addressing the clerics' situation, Elizabeth Chyrum from Human Rights Concern Eritrea stated: "The arrest and subsequent release of the Catholic clergy provide a clear illustration, if one is needed, that permitted religious communities also experience repression. While [we] welcome these releases, we also recall that thousands of prisoners of conscience remain detained without charge or trial...."
While we thank God for the release of the three mentioned church leaders, please be mindful to prayerfully uphold the many Christians remaining imprisoned in Eritrea, including the 44 who were recently arrested.
Ask the Lord to especially increase the fortitude and endurance of prisoners facing extremely difficult conditions.
May He also work mightily in the hearts and minds of the nation's governing leaders, urging them to recognize and honour the rights of all Eritrean citizens.
Sunday, January 22, 2023
Friday, January 20, 2023
Thursday, January 19, 2023
PAKISTAN: Official Threatens Christian with Blasphemy Charges
Source: VOMC
Sources: AsiaNews, Daily Times, The Express Tribune, Kross Konnection
A Christian security guard at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan, was recently threatened with blasphemy charges because she insisted on following regulations. Thankfully, the incident was captured on video footage, documenting the entire exchange.
On January 7th, a female security officer stopped a vehicle from entering the airport's cargo area because the driver did not have the necessary documentation. Her superior insisted that the vehicle should be allowed to enter, since the driver was a friend of his. Standing by the airport's regulations, the Christian woman refused, which angered her superior. Threatening to "cut [her] up," he further warned that he would file complaints of blasphemy against her. In response, the security officer challenged him to go ahead with the accusations, stating that it is he who's disrespecting his religion.
Video footage of the confrontation circulated on social media, bringing condemnation from many. Responding to the incident, the Civil Aviation Authority issued a statement announcing that the offending official has been dismissed and a detailed investigation was ordered.
While the Christian woman was vindicated of the allegations against her, the incident demonstrates the treatment commonly experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan. Accusations of blasphemy are frequently used to threaten, punish or gain an advantage over others. For more information on the challenges facing our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan, go to our country report.
Praise God for the positive response of the authorities in regards to this potentially dangerous situation.
Remember to pray for the numerous other Pakistani believers who are receiving similar threats because of their faith in Christ.
Despite opposition, may they remain true to their convictions by not compromising their moral values and integrity. As a result, may the truth of God's Word continue to spread throughout Pakistan so that many will be reached with the message of the Gospel.
CHINA: Seventeen Months Without a Trial
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
On August 7th, 2021, police officers arrested Pastor Wang Xiaoguang and his wife Yang Rongli, along with ten other members of the Golden Lampstand Church in Linfen, China. For Pastor Wang and Yang, this situation was not unexpected, as the ministering couple had previously served prison sentences of three and seven years respectively after being arrested in 2009. (See this page for more details on these prior arrests.)
The 12 Christians initially received 15-day detentions; however, at the end of that term, they were further detained on suspicion of "fraud" because tithes and offerings had been received by the church. Each of the imprisoned church members were approached by the police, who demanded that they sever ties with the church and accuse Pastor Wang and Yang of fraud.
After encountering increasing pressure from the police, five church members ultimately agreed to comply and were released on bail. The remaining seven believers (including the pastor and his wife) continue to be held in prison after more than 17 months without a trial. The church's lay leadership has especially requested prayer for Pastor Wang and Minister Yang, who are both elderly and not in good health.
Prayerfully uphold Pastor Wang, Minister Yang, and the other five church members who are presently being detained. May God provide each one of them the strength, endurance and health needed to endure this lengthy ordeal.
Pray that court officials will proceed with the case, ensuring that true justice is upheld for these innocent believers so they can be rightfully acquitted of any possible charges and subsequently released.
Continue to pray for other church members who are faithfully continuing in ministry, despite the absence of pastoral leadership due to Pastor Wang and Minister Yang's detainment.
CHINA: Christians Released on Bail
Source: VOMC
Source: Bob Fu (ChinaAid)
With thanksgiving, Bob Fu from ChinaAid reported on social media that Wang Minghai and Wan Hongxia were released from prison on January 13th. The two Christians had been detained since their arrests in August 2021. They were charged with conducting "illegal business operations" due to their involvement with a private Christian school. (A previous report on the situation can be reviewed here.)
Few details surrounding the release of these two Christian leaders are presently available. According to fellow prisoners, both leaders were referred to as "great joyful witnesses of the Lord" while in prison.
Please join us in praising God for His faithfulness, giving Him thanks for the release of these two believers from imprisonment.
Pray that their legal troubles will be fully resolved so they can resume their ministry activities without fear of further harassment from the authorities.
Continue to prayerfully remember other Chinese followers of Jesus who are still being detained for their faith, as well as their concerned family members, asking that each of these believers will experience renewed strength, comfort and peace.
CHINA: Sentence Upheld for House Church Pastor
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
In July 2019, Pastor Hao Zhiwei from the Egangqiao Church was arrested for allegedly swindling money. The charges came about because the Christian leader collected financial offerings to support the unregistered house church she was overseeing. Since the church is not part of the country's Three-Self Patriotic Movement, authorities of the Communist government deemed it illegal. (See this page to review a previous report.)
On February 11th, 2022, Pastor Hao received notice that she had been sentenced to eight years in prison. Although she had appealed her conviction, the original verdict was upheld by court officials on December 12th. According to Pastor Hao's lawyer, Si Weijiang, since the church is not part of the officially authorized Three-Self Patriotic Movement, the courts have ruled that it cannot be called a church. And since it is not considered a church, Pastor Hao is not recognized as a pastor. Therefore, any money collected to support its function is considered fraud.
Pastor Hao, who is 52 years old, is a single mother of two. Her eldest son, Paul, is a college student. Her younger son, Moses, has struggled with depression because of his mother's imprisonment. Church members have been providing assistance to the family as needed.
Continue to pray for Pastor Hao, as well as her two sons. May God meet each of their needs, granting them grace and healing strength during this difficult time of separation.
As they now deal with this further disappointment, pray that God will continue to provide them greatly needed encouragement.
Ask the Lord to surround Paul and Moses with a loving community of fellow believers, and that He would also make it possible for Pastor Hao to experience the joy and comfort of fellowship with other imprisoned Christians while she remains in custody.
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Thursday, January 12, 2023
MEXICO: Christian Woman Severely Beaten
Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Christian Post
Since 2015, members of the Great Commission Baptist Church in the community of Rancho Nuevo, Hidalgo State, have been prohibited from accessing their land to cultivate crops. On December 21st, Maria Concepcion Hernández-Hernández was physically assaulted for merely viewing her plot of land after being asked by a neighbour to remove two trees from the property. When local leaders were informed that the Christian woman had gone to her land, she was ambushed and brutally beaten.
Upon hearing of the attack against Maria, Pastor Rogelio Hernández Baltazar from the Great Commission Baptist Church attempted to intervene, but he too was physically assaulted. The pastor was then detained by the local community leaders and further ordered to turn over the deeds for ten plots of land owned by church members, but he refused to do so.
Following the attack, Maria filed a complaint with the prosecutor and the human rights commission. When she later began to vomit blood, the injured Christian woman was admitted to hospital and subsequently reported to be in critical condition. Maria's family was warned by local authorities that if she succumbed to her injuries, they would not be allowed to bury her body in the community. Though the identities of her attackers are known, there have been no charges laid at the date of this report.
While religious freedom is guaranteed in the Mexican constitution, indigenous communities are generally given lenience to govern according to their traditional customs. Since 2015, local authorities have attempted to force church members to participate in local ritualistic festivals, often requiring unwilling Christians to give financial donations towards the funding of these events. Evangelical believers who don't comply have been fired from their jobs, blocked from burying their dead, and arbitrarily detained or beaten. Since 2018, children belonging to religious minority groups have also been barred from attending local community schools.
Many of the indigenous communities in Mexico practise "traditionalist Catholicism," which is a combination of Roman Catholic beliefs mixed with traditional Aztec rituals. In September 2021, two families who attend another Baptist church in Hidalgo State were threatened with expulsion unless they denied their faith and paid the fine levied against them. For more reports addressing persecution in Mexico, go to our country report.
Pray for Maria's full recovery, asking the Lord to minister His healing touch upon her both physically and emotionally.
Also prayerfully uphold other Christians in this community who are experiencing ongoing harassment and persecution.
May God intervene in each situation, providing guidance to the state authorities who need to take action against local governing leaders of communities like Rancho Nuevo where the rights of religious minorities are being denied.
Pray that the opposing community leaders will open their hearts to the convicting presence of the Holy Spirit so that they would come to a point of repentance and the resulting joy of God's forgiveness and salvation, in addition to the many blessings that take place when living in unity with fellow members of the community.
INDIA: Mob Violently Protests Alleged Conversion Activities
Source: VOMC
Sources: Hindustan Times, The Hindu, TwoCircles.net, VOMC International Ministry Contacts
Hundreds of villagers converged on a Catholic church in the Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh on January 2nd. Spurred on by accusations of alleged religious conversions, the crowd entered the church building armed with wooden sticks and iron rods. Significant damage was done to the church and presbytery. Several police officers, including the district superintendent, were injured when they attempted to intervene.
The violent incident followed a meeting organized by leaders in the tribal community over allegations that members of the church were performing religious conversions. While appeals for a peaceful protest were made during the meeting, anger among the crowd escalated until there was a mob consisting of over 1,000 people, intent on committing destruction. Charges have been laid against five individuals, including a leader of the Hindu nationalist BJP.
Since anti-conversion legislation has been introduced in various states throughout India over the years, it has been used as a catalyst for violence and persecution. For more details on the challenges being encountered by our Christian brothers and sisters in India, and/or to view related informative podcasts, go to our country report.
Pray for God's strength, wisdom and courage to be imparted in the lives of Christians residing within this district, as well as those in other areas of India who regularly face violence and discrimination because of their faith in Christ.
As the country's church leaders seek the Lord's wisdom, may He honour that desire by mediating on their behalf and faithfully guiding them concerning their ministries.
Additionally, pray for His intervention in the political decisions of India's governing leaders so that the people of this South Asian nation will be allowed to freely express their divergent opinions and religious beliefs in a peaceful and collaborative manner.
CHINA: Verdict for Zhao Weikai
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
In a previously posted "Persecution & Prayer Alert" report, we included Li Xin's appeal for prayer, requesting that the court hearing relating to the case of her husband, Zhao Weikai, would soon take place. At the time of that report, Zhao had been detained since July 2021 without a conviction. For more details, go to this page.
On December 30th, Li finally received a notice announcing the court's decision. Zhao, who was convicted of "illegally holding materials promoting terrorism and extremism," has been sentenced to two years in prison and additionally fined. The charges against him stem from materials seized by authorities during a raid on the Christian couple's home in 2021. These confiscated items included video documentaries on the 1989 Tiananmen Square protest and the Xinjiang protests that took place in 2009.
While Li was not allowed to attend her husband's trial, which was held on December 15th, others who were present reported that he looked well. However, since Zhao suffers from liver disease, there are continued concerns regarding the Christian man's health as he now begins to serve his prison sentence.
Pray for the improvement of Zhao's health as he awaits vindication legally, asking the Lord to administer loving care and peace to this convicted believer during his time of incarceration.
May the efforts of Zhao's lawyers to file an appeal against the court's decision be done with wisdom and discernment.
Furthermore, please prayerfully remember Zhao's family, who also need God's comfort, provision and peace during this difficult time of separation.
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Baptist Woman Reportedly Tied to Tree, Severely Beaten by Religious Majority of Mexican Village
Source: CBN News
01-05-2023
Steve Warren
A Protestant Christian woman has reportedly been tied to a tree and severely beaten by the leaders of her village in Hidalgo State, Mexico. The horrific attack left her in critical condition with serious internal injuries.
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| Map credit: CBN News |
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a persecution watchdog, reports Maria Concepcion Hernández Hernández, a member of the Great Commission Baptist Church in the community of Rancho Nuevo, Huejutla de los Reyes Municipality, is currently in intensive care. She is not permitted to receive visits from other villagers.
NIGERIA: Fatalities During the Christmas Season
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, International Christian Concern
As a local church was about to begin their service on Christmas Day in Angwan Aku, Kaduna, Fulani militants entered the village on motorcycles. Shooting sporadically, one Christian was killed. Before leaving, the attackers also kidnapped 53 other villagers.
Prior to this incident, in the days leading up to Christmas, militants attacked the villages of Mallagum and Kagoro, also located in Kaduna state. Forty Christians were killed in Mallagum on December 18th and an additional three in Kagoro on December 23rd. For those remaining in these predominantly Christian villages, life has been completely disrupted. "The lucky survivors have become refugees in their land," stated one resident. "Mass graves litter the community and the countryside." The assailants were heard to shout the Islamic declaration of Allah akbar (God is greater) while wreaking havoc on the villages.
Nigeria continues to be the nation where more Christians are killed for their faith than any other. While some of the country's violence and kidnappings arise for illicit financial gain, Christians are frequently targeted because of their faith. For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Nigeria, go to our country report.
Please prayerfully remember the grieving families and community members of the many Christians killed in these recent attacks, as well as those who have been abducted or are recovering from other incidents of persecution.
Ask the Lord to minister greatly needed comfort and help to His suffering Nigerian people, replacing their uncertainties and fears with inner peace.
May He also give wisdom to the members of the country's political leadership, urging them to make this concern of violent persecution a priority.
As elections are taking place in February (for a new president and other governing representatives), pray that the Lord will guide the selection process – raising up those who will bring about peace in this divided nation.
INDONESIA: Conflicting Responses to Christmas Celebrations
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Detikcom, AsiaNews
Christmas Day of 2022 became a historic one in Indonesia as the country's president, Joko Widodo, visited two churches. The unannounced visits made by the Muslim president that day marked the only times he officially attended Christian services. Speaking to the congregants at the Cathedral of Bogor, he called for peace between differing religions. "Together, let us foster tolerant relations," he announced to all those who were present. His gesture was in line with an emphasis of tolerance that was being promoted by the Indonesian Ministry for Religious Affairs during the holidays.
Regrettably, this attitude of acceptance wasn't conveyed by citizens residing in other areas of the country. The Batak Christian Church encountered opposition from approximately 20 community members when they attempted to hold a worship service at a home in Cilebut Barat, located south of the capital of Jakarta. In North Sulawesi, the Ratatatok Adventist Church was also stopped from hosting a time of worship at a home located in the village of Buyat Selatan on December 24th. Opposing villagers claimed that these congregations did not meet the requirements for the homes to be considered places of worship.
According to the police chief who was investigating the incident in the village of Buyat Selatan, in order for a Christian group to conduct services within various places of worship, there must be at least 90 congregants in attendance and they must receive approval from 60 area households representing different faiths. Yet, even when such onerous requirements have been met, militant Islamic groups frequently intimidate and pressure Christians who attempt to gather. Since 2018, the Setara Institute has recorded 298 incidents of religious conflict perpetrated by those opposing houses of worship. To learn more about the challenges experienced by persecuted believers in Indonesia, go to our country report.
Praise God for the honourable efforts made by President Joko Widodo and those representing the Indonesian Ministry for Religious Affairs to promote religious tolerance in the country.
May these efforts continue to further encourage peaceful relations among the differing faith groups represented within each community, ultimately fostering harmony among the citizens of the country at large.
Pray that the Lord will honour the desire of Indonesian Christians to meet together peacefully for worship by making a way for them to do so without hindrance or opposition.
INDIA: Ministry Leaders Appeal for Pastors' Release
Source: VOMC
Sources: UCA News, Human Rights Watch
A group of pastors in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is appealing for the release of 30 fellow pastors who are being detained in prisons around the state. According to Pastor Jitendra Singh, General Secretary of the Pastors' Association of Uttar Pradesh, all of the detained church leaders have been falsely charged under the state's anti-conversion legislation which was enacted in February 2021.
"We want justice for the pastors who have been victims of persecution by Hindu nationalists," explained Pastor Singh. The association has also called on the police commissioner of Kanpur city to protect pastors and churches from harassment. The commissioner has assured them that he would take note of their grievances.
Governing leaders in India are facing increasing international pressure to protect the rights of minority groups throughout the country. In a report that was released this past November, the United Nations Human Rights Council specifically addressed its concerns regarding the mounting problems taking place in this South Asian nation. Additional information on the persecution of India's Christians is available at our country report.
Pray that new governmental and judicial measures will be taken to protect the rights of Christians in India.
Specifically ask for the rightful vindication of the imprisoned pastors, as well as other believers who have been unjustly charged for reaching out to those in need with the compassion of Christ.
While the pastors await release from imprisonment, may they receive God-ordained opportunities to share the eternal hope of the Gospel to fellow prisoners and prison officials alike – adding more names to the Lamb's "Book of Life" (Revelation 21:27; 20:15).
Sunday, January 1, 2023
Chinese Citizen Remains in North Korean Prison
Source: VOM
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| Zhang Wen Shi Held 2,984 Days Arrested Nov. 2014 |
Zhang Wen Shi, also known as Deacon Jang, is an ethnically Korean Christian who lived and ministered in Changbai, China, a town located on China’s border with North Korea. When North Koreans illegally visited Changbai to conduct business, purchase items they could sell on the black market, or seek medicine or other help, Deacon Jang often provided them with warm clothing, food and supplies for their return to North Korea. He also shared the gospel with those willing to listen. In November 2014, Deacon Jang was abducted in China, taken to North Korea and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Since his imprisonment, several former prisoners have reported seeing or hearing about him.
Please pray for his release.
Uganda - Pastor Sprayed with Acid in Ambush in Kampala
Source: Morning Star News
A pastor has lost nearly all his vision after Muslim extremists lured him into an ambush in Uganda’s capital city and sprayed him with acid, sources said.
After the pastor preached at an evening service of a church in the Kasubi area of Kampala, a Muslim extremist pretending to be a congregation member greeted him, praised him for his “wonderful sermon” and asked for a ride to the Busega area in western Kampala, he said. “On my way to the main road, the gentleman started making several phone calls,” Pastor Mutabaazi told Morning Star News.
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| Pastor Frank Mutabaazi after acid attack in Kampala, Uganda on Dec. 22, 2022. (Morning Star News) |
He had received several threats on his phone demanding that he stop evangelistic events in Masaka and Kambala in central Uganda, Mbale and Pallisa in the east and the West Nile sub-region in the northwest part of the country, he said. One text message read, “We have been monitoring your evil activities of changing our members to Christianity. Let this be known to you that your life is at risk.”
Pray that Pastor Frank Mutabaazi will regain full sight and for healing for the burns he received on his face and body.
Pray that he will recover his strength and be able to continue his evangelistic events and to give him wisdom on how to deal with the threats against his life.
Pray for justice and that his attackers will be drawn to Jesus.
Pray for a moving of the Holy Spirit throughout Uganda and that many will be drawn to Jesus.
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