Sunday, May 28, 2023
Thursday, May 25, 2023
PAKISTAN: Two Youths Accused of Blasphemy
Source: VOMC
Sources: CLAAS-UK, Pak Christian News, Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Two Christian teenagers, one of whom is a minor, were arrested on May 18th due to accusations of blasphemy. Adil Babar, who is 18 years old, and a younger neighbour, Simon Nadeem, were charged after a complaint was filed claiming that they had insulted the Islamic prophet Mohammad while playing on the street.
A neighbour, Zahid Sohail, who is a local police officer, was apparently walking by when he heard the two teenagers allegedly calling a puppy "Muhammad Ali" and laughing about it. The police officer began to beat Simon, and when Adil tried to intervene, he was beaten as well. When filing the official complaint, Zahid claimed to have two eyewitnesses.
The families of both teenagers deny there was a dog anywhere around. As Adil regularly partakes of "naswar" – a smokeless tobacco product – the accused boys claim that Simon was teasing him about his habit, for the brand name of the naswar that Adil uses is "Muhammad Ali."
Since the incident, there have been rumours of an imminent mob attack against Christian homes in the region. Some families have gone into hiding for their protection. While speaking of the charges against the young Christians, Nasir Saeed, who serves as the Director of CLAAS-UK, states: "I don't think these two [teens] had ever thought that any passerby could hear their conversation and accuse them of committing blasphemy and endanger their lives. Sadly, misuse of the blasphemy [law] has become so common, and people never think twice about how dangerous its consequences could be."
For more information on the challenges encountered by Pakistan's Christians, go to our country report.
Pray for the two accused teen boys, Adil and Simon, along with their families and fellow believers in the community, as they now must face the accusations against them and threats of mob violence against all Christians in the region.
Pray that these baseless charges will be dropped and that tensions in the community will dissipate.
May God work through this situation, bringing about change in the hearts of the individuals involved, as well as others throughout Pakistan who are opposed to the Gospel, leading to an end of the misused blasphemy laws in this South Asian nation.
CHINA: Five Christians Released on Bail
Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Christian Solidarity Worldwide
On August 17th, 2022, Public Security Bureau officers in China detained three Christian men – Wang Shunping, Nu Sangdeng and San Luobo – along with two Christian women – Hua Xiuxia and Dong Mengru – on accusations of "organizing and funding illegal gatherings." It was reported that these gatherings had taken place for the purpose of prayer, and to offer Bible studies and music lessons for young people. One of the believers, Wang Shunping, is the young pastor of a church in Nujiang, Yunnan State. The other four Christians who were arrested alongside Pastor Wang are members of his church.
Thankfully, all five Christians were released on bail as of May 7th, and they have since been safely reunited with their families. Since the arrests, several Christian lawyers had travelled hundreds of miles to Nujiang multiple times, and their efforts are being credited for the release of the accused believers.
To learn more about the persecution being experienced by followers of Jesus in China, go to our country report.
Praise God that all five believers have been recently released from prison.
Pray that all the charges against them will be dropped so they can be free to remain with their families and also continue serving in ministry.
Additionally, pray that the ongoing oppression of Christians by members of the Chinese Communist Party would ultimately cease.
INDONESIA: Official Charged After Disrupting Service
Source: VOMC
Source: Morning Star News
On February 18th, a local village official forced his way into a church service in the Indonesian village of Rajabasa Jaya and demanded that the Christians stop worshipping immediately. He claimed that the church was meeting without a permit. Other villagers also joined in the attack and, during the turmoil, one of the intruders attempted to choke the pastor.
For more details on the initial incident, go to this page.
Because of the violent nature of the confrontation, the situation was referred to the police and charges were laid against the instigating village official, Wawan Kurniawan. After charges of blasphemy were considered, Wawan was eventually only charged with "intrusion," in part because of a settlement reached between the accused and members of the church. Wawan agreed to publicly apologize to the Christians and grant the congregation a temporary permit to continue using the building for worship. In exchange, the church members agreed to leave any prosecution against Wawan to the authorities.
Some Christian leaders are concerned about the perceived inequality of the prosecutor's decision, believing there would have been a far harsher punishment if similar actions were taken against a Muslim prayer service. "The authorities, I think, should treat citizens equally before the law," states Lukas Sutrisno, an Indonesian church planter. Without consistency in the ways that the regulations are applied, Christians in Indonesia have concerns that such disruptions could reoccur.
Pray that there will be consistency in the ways that governing and judicial officials apply the policies and laws of Indonesia.
In the meanwhile, may this church continue serving as a testimony of God's love and grace to all the community members around them, so that many others will be drawn to faith in Christ.
More specifically, pray that the Holy Spirit will work mightily in Wawan's life through this incident, softening his heart and leading him to acknowledge Jesus as his personal Saviour and Lord.
Thursday, May 18, 2023
BELARUS: Seven Young Christians Fined
Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18
A court in Minsk has fined seven young Christians the equivalent of two months' average wages each. The charges were laid against the believers as punishment for talking to others about the meaning of Easter on April 15th, the day before Orthodox Easter Sunday.
The young people were charged for organizing "a demonstration or mass event," even though they were merely speaking with individuals on the street. When governing officials were asked to explain the reasons for the arrests and fines, they refused to comment. The Christians were fined the maximum penalty allowable under the statute. It appears that the believers have chosen not to appeal their sentences.
Five of the seven Christians who received charges are members of the New Life Church, which has faced repeated incidents of persecution over the years and was sealed by the authorities in February 2021.
For details on the challenges encountered by this church, along with other reports addressing the persecution of believers in Belarus, go to our country report.
Pray for God's provision on behalf of the young believers who have been fined for sharing their faith.
May He give them wisdom, courage and peace as they face the charges, as well as the strength required to continue carrying out Christ's call to spread the Gospel message.
In general, pray for the ongoing ministry of other Christians throughout Belarus who are also encountering ongoing hostility from governing officials.
Ask the Lord to bring conviction to those who oppose His Word so their hearts will be stirred towards repentance and the need to receive His eternal salvation.
IRAN: Christian Couple Acquitted
Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Middle East Concern
Homayoun Zhaveh, a 64-year-old Christian with advanced Parkinson's disease, and his wife, Sara Ahmadi, have thankfully been acquitted by an Iranian court and released from prison. On April 9th, it was reported that their application for a retrial had been accepted. (See this previously posted report for further information on their case.) On May 9th, the appeal court judge found no evidence that either of these Christians had acted against national security, as initially accused.
In his ruling, the judge stated that gathering with people of one's own faith is "natural," and that having books relating to Christianity is "an extension of their beliefs." However, many of the Christians presently in Iranian prisons are there because of their participation in house churches.
For more details on the persecution of believers in Iran, go to our country report.
Sara and Homayoun were arrested in June 2019. Sara was initially sentenced to 11 years, which was later reduced to eight years in December 2020. Yet, both of them were allowed to remain at home until August 2022, the time they were summoned to Evin Prison and subsequently detained. Sara and Homayoun were finally released the evening after the recent court announcement.
Praise God for this very positive outcome!
Pray that the recent court ruling will serve as a precedent in determining the outcome of cases involving Christians still imprisoned in Iran.
May the ruling also result in the general ceasing of governmental oppression towards followers of Jesus throughout the country.
As for Homayoun's health concerns, please pray that he will experience God's healing touch; and that, during his recovery, Sara will be strengthened while assisting with his medical needs.
NIGERIA: More Chibok Girls Rescued
Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Open Doors, Daily Trust, The Guardian, Punch, BBC, CTV
In 2014, a secondary school in the predominantly Christian town of Chibok, Borno State, was attacked by members of the militant Islamic group, Boko Haram. During the raid, 276 girls were kidnapped. (For details on the initial attack, go to this report.) In the nine years since that time, some of the girls have been released, while others either managed to escape or were rescued by governmental forces. Although the exact number of students who remain missing is unknown, it is estimated that approximately 100 of them are still in captivity.
Over the years, as the families continued to hope and pray for the recovery of their missing girls, at least 38 parents have died without witnessing their daughters' safe return home. Others are left wondering whether their abducted loved ones are still alive and, if so, where they are located.
In a recent announcement, Nigerian authorities were pleased to present two more surviving girls, Hauwa Maltha and Esther Marcus, who were rescued in April. Hauwa, who was over eight months pregnant when she was recovered, has since given birth to her baby on April 28th. During captivity, Hauwa was forcibly married three times to different Boko Haram members.
When announcing the return of these two young women, the military commander stated that a total of 14 girls have been recently rescued. Although he gave the names of each one, no further details on the recovery of these students were released. It is assumed that both Hauwa and Esther became mothers while in captivity, as they were seen with children after their rescues.
The homecoming of the 14 recently rescued young women brought joy to so many; yet, at the same time, it also created a renewed sense of pain for the families whose girls have not been recovered to date. "It has made the memories fresh for the parents [whose] children are still missing," states Hassan Chibok, a local Nigerian leader.
Added Note: In a separate report just released this week, it was announced that yet another missing schoolgirl, Saratu Dauda, was found on May 6th by Nigerian troops. Regrettably, Saratu's three children remain in the custody of her former captor, Abu Yusuf, the Boko Haram member she was forced to marry while in captivity. Abu serves the terrorist group as an explosives expert. The country's officials have stated that they are endeavouring to rescue Saratu's children, along with any others they locate.
Saratu was taken to the hospital for treatment and has since been released. She is planning to complete her secondary and university education with the support of the state government. During the announcement of her rescue, Major General Ibrahim Ali proclaimed: "We thank God for rescuing Saratu Dauda. This will enable [her] to have a better life with [her] parents and other families in [the] Chibok community." More reports on the difficulties experienced by Christians in Nigeria are available at our country report.
Along with the rejoicing families and friends of the recently rescued students, we can give thanks to our Heavenly Father that these girls are now safely home.
Pray that each one of them will receive God's ministry of healing – both physically and emotionally – from the aftermath of the kidnapping and subsequent captivity.
Ask the Lord to also provide guidance to these young women and their families as they endeavour to integrate back into their communities, some now having to raise the young children who were fathered and born in the terrorists' camps.
Last, but not least, please continue to pray for the rescue and well-being of Chibok schoolgirls who remain missing, along with other kidnapped victims presently being held hostage by militant groups across Nigeria.
Thursday, May 11, 2023
INDIA: Violence Leads to Dozens of Deaths
Sources: VOMC Contacts, Christianity Today, The Quint, Al Jazeera, CNN, Mirror Now
Ongoing ethnic tensions in the Indian state of Manipur ignited into a disturbing outbreak of violence after some took offence to a peaceful protest on May 3rd. During the resulting unrest, over 50 people had reportedly been killed, another 150 received injuries, and more than 50 church buildings were burned to the ground. At least 20,000 people have been forcibly displaced, many of them seeking protection in military camps.
View one of the eyewitness videos of the ongoing destruction.
In Manipur, along with other rural areas of India, traditional peoples of the region are specified as "scheduled tribes." These groups are given the right to own land in areas that are restricted to others, along with additional benefits as a reparation for past injustices. The majority Meitei people in the state have objected to what they see as unfair treatment and are seeking to gain the "scheduled tribe" status – an action opposed by other groups, such as the Kuki and Zo people living in the hill country.
The Meitei people, who make up more than 50 percent of the state's population, are predominantly Hindu. Politically and economically, they are the dominant people group in the state. Yet, the tribal communities, in contrast, are largely Christian. Unfortunately, the state government, which is currently controlled by the Hindu nationalist party (BJP), seem to have taken an "anti-tribal agenda." Large portions of the hill country, where the tribal people live, have been designated as protected forest. As a result, villages have been razed and the inhabitants evicted from their lands.
A mass rally was held on May 3rd in the city of Churachandpur. Thousands of tribal people gathered to express their concerns about government policies as they relate to the scheduled tribes. While the demonstration was peaceful, some "Meitei thugs" arrived to cause problems. Violence grew and began to spread, resulting in scenes of horrific violence throughout the state. Church buildings, in particular, seem to have been a target, with more than 50 places of worship destroyed during the riot. In some cases, this anti-Christian element has crossed ethnic lines, leading to the destruction of some Meitei church buildings in the capital city of Imphal.
The Indian military has taken an active part in attempting to quell the violence. While skirmishes continue to break out across Manipur, the attacks thankfully became less widespread after the first week. Although tensions remain high throughout the state, some are seeing a "ray of hope." As the violence dissipates, however, the challenge of finding a lasting solution remains.
Christian leaders have been actively involved by urging their members not to retaliate, as communities have set up barricades in an attempt to repel the attacks. Violence and prejudice are often multifaceted, as various ethnic, religious, economic and political elements (among many others) serve to intensify division and hatred. Followers of Christ are called to set aside such divisions (Galatians 3:28), despite the pull towards a more visceral response.
Efforts to make India a solely Hindu nation have played a major part in the political agenda of the BJP – the ruling party in many areas of India, including Manipur.
In a recent interview, Closer to the Fire podcast host Greg Musselman spoke with Ramchand Saranu and Sushil George about ongoing problems relating to the anti-conversion legislation that now exists in many Indian states. View this informative interview.
Please prayerfully remember the people of Manipur who have been caught up in this scene of unresolved violence.
Pray for the healing of victims who were injured, as well as needed protection for those whose lives remain in danger.
May God's peace fill the hearts and minds of all who have been affected by this complicated conflict, including those who have lost loved ones during the attacks.
Additionally, pray that His Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of citizens throughout this Indian state, bringing about an atmosphere of acceptance and tolerance, as well as receptivity to the Gospel.
CHINA: Multiple Raids on Church Services
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
In a coordinated act, Chinese authorities raided five separate locations of the Guangzhou Bible Reformed Church during worship services on May 7th. Several church elders, preachers and co-workers were detained for interrogation, though most were released later that day. The worshippers meeting in each of the locations were ordered to disperse.
Pastor Huang Xiaoning was preaching in the Yuexiu branch of the church when the police arrived. When asked to stop preaching, he informed the officers that they had leased the venue and the officials had no right to interfere. Although the officers stated that they were authorized to inspect the location, Pastor Huang referenced the Chinese constitution as it relates to personal freedoms, including the freedom of religious belief. A debate ensued between the pastor and an official from the Religious Affairs Bureau.
After the officers left, the landlord of the venue where the Yuexiu branch was meeting asked the worshippers to leave, due to concerns that the church may have broken some laws. Respecting that decision, Pastor Huang paid for the one hour they spent at the venue.
The Guangzhou Bible Reformed Church refused to join the government-sanctioned Three-Self Church and, as a result, was banned in July 2018. Although their building was confiscated, the church members continued meeting – changing venues each week. These believers have asked fellow Christians to pray for God's protection, and that He would continue to use them to glorify Him and testify of the saving grace He has made available through Christ.
For more on the persecution facing Christians in China, go to our country report.
Pray for the ongoing ministry of the Guangzhou Bible Reformed Church.
Praise God for His continued work in and through this faithful congregation, as they continue to increase in numbers despite the ongoing opposition.
May the words spoken to the officials during the raid help them to realize the truth of the Gospel and be used to ultimately lead them to faith in Christ.
Please also pray that there will not be further legal action taken against the church nor its leaders.
PAKISTAN: Teen Girl Kidnapped at Gunpoint
Source: VOMC
Sources: CLAAS-UK, Pak Christian News
A Christian teenager named Sehar was kidnapped from her home in Okaro, Punjab, on April 23rd. At last report, police were continuing to search for her, along with the three Muslim men responsible for the abduction.
The 13-year-old girl worked at a local brick kiln, along with 11 of her siblings, to help support the family, since their elderly father is ill and unable to work. According to her brother Irfan, the three men on motorcycles kidnapped Sehar from her home at gunpoint and fled. One of the captors was recognized as Allah Rakha, who also worked at the kiln.
Allah Rakha was friends with Sehar's brother, Adil. According to their sister Saba, Adil had been "deceptively converted" to Islam by Allah only three months before. The family is concerned that Allah has similar plans for Sehar. "First he converted my younger brother Adil, and now he kidnapped my younger sister," Saba sadly states.
In Pakistan, young Christian girls are frequently kidnapped and then forcibly converted and married to their attackers.
To learn more about the challenges encountered by the followers of Jesus in this South Asian nation, go to our country report.
Pray that Sehar's whereabouts will soon be discovered, so she can be returned to her family unharmed.
May those responsible for her kidnapping be brought to justice.
Please also intercede on behalf of the victim's family members who are struggling to meet their daily needs while having to deal with this added challenge.
As they continue to await Sehar's hopeful return, pray that the Lord will abundantly provide for their practical needs and, at the same time, wonderfully minister to their troubled hearts (including Sehar's) with His love, comfort and peace.
Thursday, May 4, 2023
PAKISTAN: Church Service Stormed by Mob
Source: VOMC
Sources: AsiaNews, India Posts, Jihad Watch
Police have increased security around The Voice of Jesus Church in Khokhar, Pakistan, after a mob of approximately 40 men disrupted an evening service on April 16th. Thankfully, the injuries perpetrated by the mob were minimal. Even so, the church's gates and windows were damaged during the incident, and three bullet holes were left in the outer wall of the building.
The conflict arose when three men on motorcycles began to harass the 19-year-old daughter of Pastor Younas Javed before the service. Her brother Sharjeel asked them to stop, but they responded by abusing him. The men then recruited others, and the violence turned against the church facility and the service being held inside.
While police have provided protection for the church, they dispute allegations that religious connections were associated with the attack. The sub-inspector described the incident merely as a "fight between kids." The pastor, however, says that harassment of this kind is common in the area.
To learn more about the hardships experienced by Christians in Pakistan, and/or to review informative podcasts/video documentaries, go to our country report.
Pray that the members of this church will be kept safe from any further potential violence, and that the police will continue to provide necessary security.
Prayerfully uphold the ongoing ministry of Christians in the area who, despite living under the daily threat of hostility, are boldly reaching out with the Gospel.
May the lives and words of believers throughout Pakistan be a testimony of God's love and grace to those around them, leading many to faith in Christ.
INDONESIA: Church Reopens After 15 Years of Opposition
Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, UCA News, The Diplomat, The Jakarta Post
For more than 15 years, the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin Church in Bogor, Indonesia, has sought to meet for worship. The church was initially approved in 2006 but then rejected by local authorities. Although the Indonesian Supreme Court ruled in 2010 that the place of worship could reopen, local officials repeatedly caused delays. The root cause of the delays was influence from opposing militants of the Muslim-majority community.
For earlier reports on the challenges encountered by members of this church, visit the following pages: Opposition Against Churches Continues and Christians Barred from Churches at Christmas.
With great excitement the new church building, which was constructed in a different location, officially opened on Easter Sunday, April 9th. Various politicians were on scene to participate in the ceremony – a welcomed celebration for congregants who witnessed this long-awaited victory after dealing for years with many setbacks during the building process.
However, the country's ongoing oppression, along with the many blockages faced by the congregation as their new place of worship was being built, brought about mixed emotions for other church members. Even though the mayor of Bogor spoke at the inauguration, they felt the leaders of Bogor were ultimately responsible for repeatedly succumbing to the pressure, and thus had contributed largely to the extensive delays. Due to the frustration experienced over the repeated delays, and the fact that the church was forced to relocate in the first place, these church members refused to attend the ceremony.
An editorial in The Jakarta Post raised concerns about the example set: "The government's support for such a compromise has set a bad precedent for solutions to conflicts related to the implementation of freedom of religion in other parts of the country. Rather than ending acts of intolerance, the GKI Yasmin model will only proliferate them."
Despite the recent opening of this specific church, the trend for local officials to oppose places of worship continues unabated in Indonesia. Only a week earlier, the Simalungun Christian Protestant Church in Cigelam was forced to close due to pressure from local Muslims who were opposed to the location where they were worshipping (read more). Unreasonable requirements have forced many Christian groups in the country to forgo registration regulations.
Let us praise God that the long-suffering congregation in Bogor now has a new place where they can gather together for worship.
Pray that they will continue to be free to do so without encountering further interference from governing officials representing the area or other local residents.
Pray that Indonesia's leaders will stand firm for what is right, despite the opposition they may face, and that other congregations in the country (including the recently closed church in Cigelam) will likewise be allowed to meet in freedom and peace.
PAKISTAN: Father of Kidnapped Child Murdered
Source: VOMC
Sources: AsiaNews, Steadfast Global
On March 30th, the Persecution & Prayer Alert reported on a 12-year-old girl who had been kidnapped and, after being recovered, was placed in a women's shelter rather than being returned to her father. Young Hoorab Masih had been abducted by two local shopkeepers in December and then forced to convert to Islam and marry one of her kidnappers.
For more details on the incident, see this page.
Hoorab's father, Basharat, was a single dad of four who did not have the funds to fight the case in court to have his daughter returned home. Thankfully, she was finally allowed to return to her family in late March. Kidnapper Muhammad Usman confessed to the fraudulent marriage after his arrest. Both he and his accomplice, Muhammad Mustafa, were arrested.
Sadly, Basharat Masih was murdered on April 24th while taking part in a community pigeon flying competition. His sister, Maryam Bibi, heard screaming and rushed to see a group of assailants attacking Basharat. The chairman of Human Rights Focus Pakistan, Naveed Walter, believes that the murder was committed in revenge for Basharat's part in bringing his daughter's captors to justice. The family has continued to receive threats, even after the court case.
Lamenting over the situation, Mr. Walter said: "Basharat Masih was killed because he was Hoorab's father. We live in a society where a father who demands justice for his daughter is killed." In a recently recorded podcast, Greg Musselman interviewed Pakistani journalist Asher John from Kross Konnection to discuss their concerns over several similar kidnappings of young girls.
To view this relevant report, go to VOMCanada.com/video/pakistan-
Please prayerfully remember traumatized Hoorab and her siblings who are now left without any parents. In addition to experiencing God's needed comfort and healing, pray that these children will be provided a stable home in which they can grow and mature in His ways spiritually.
May those responsible for this fatal attack against Hoorab's father be held accountable for their actions.
Continue to also intercede for the nation of Pakistan as a whole, specifically praying that the legal system, which has caused extreme difficulties for so many innocent victims, would be radically reformed.