BELARUS: New Life Church Building Destroyed

Source: VOMC
Sources: VOMC Contacts, Forum18

Destruction of the New Life Church. Photo: New Life Church

In 2002, the New Life Church in Minsk, Belarus, purchased a cowshed on the outskirts of the city in order to convert the building into a suitable place of worship for the congregation of 600 members. Since that time, the government's religious affairs department has opposed their use of the building. For more than 18 years, The Voice of the Martyrs Canada has been following the plight of this church, calling for prayer as the believers continually sought to find ways to meet for services in the face of opposition.

When the Christians' use of the building was denied, any request to rent another location was also rejected. Since the church was not meeting in an approved facility, their registration, which they had held for ten years, was revoked. Despite this, the worshippers continued to meet in the building, but experienced repeated harassment over the years until the doors were finally sealed in February 2021. Unwilling to give in, the members convened each Sunday in the parking lot until their outdoor gatherings were also banned and the pastors received fines.
To review our previously posted reports describing the numerous challenges this church has encountered, visit our country report.

In a final act of opposition against the church, government officials arranged for heavy equipment to be transported to the church's location on June 20th and, as a result, the purchased building was reduced to rubble. Pastor Goncharenko has expressed his outrage in an open letter to the government. Looking to the future, he is uncertain about the direction that can be taken. "No one will sell us a religious building, and religious communities are not allowed to have regular religious meetings in a non-religious building," he lamented.

Pastor Goncharenko points out that, with the proposed changes to the religion law, any possibility of re-registering the church will be much more difficult. If passed into law, the draft legislation would impose numerous new restrictions and conditions on registration for religious communities, along with increased powers of censorship and monitoring by the government.

Please pray for peace, direction and comfort on behalf of Pastor Goncharenko and the members of New Life Church. 

May God miraculously intervene in this situation, making it possible for our Christian brothers and sisters in Belarus to find a suitable place in which they can honour Him by worshipping corporately together as a body of believers. 

Thank you for continuing to present this matter before God's throne in prayer, especially as governing officials now contemplate the proposed revisions to their religion law. 

Ask the Lord to work mightily in the hearts and minds of the decision-makers, so there will be no further restrictions placed upon these faithful believers and others who are residing in this Eastern European nation.

INDONESIA: Worship Services Stopped by Mobs

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Release International, JPNN

Photo: VOMC

As Christianity spreads in Indonesia, local governments and community members are increasingly creating obstacles to restrict the activities of the country's churches. The process for believers who want to build a church facility is complicated and can take many years. In one case, a church finally received approval in April of this year after waiting for 15 years. (Further details about the situation can be reviewed here.) Despite repeated calls from federal officials for local communities to be more accepting of religious diversity, in accordance with the country's constitution, the message of religious tolerance is not accepted by all.

On May 19th, mobs of opposing local Muslims stopped Christians from worshipping in two cities located on Sumatra Island. In the village of Binjai, at least 40 protesters disrupted a worship service that was being held at a café. The leaders of the mob claim that holding Christian worship services in a predominantly Muslim area is provocative, and thus should not be allowed. In the city of Riau, a service taking place at Bethel Indonesia Church (GBI) was prevented by a militant group believed to be outsiders. On May 28th, yet another GBI church had been forced to stop their worship activities in the village of Cilame, West Java.

More recently, a local official, along with other opposing community members, stopped the worship service of a house church located outside the city of Jakarta on June 18th. While speaking to the protesters, Pastor Elysson Lase assured them that they were not constructing a church building; they were merely worshipping in a private home. The pastor told the protestors: "The important thing has been conveyed to the village office, that we are not building a church. So, what's the problem?"

That same day, access to the Javanese Christian Church building in the Solo area of central Java was blocked by a demonstration. A banner proclaiming "Allahu Akbar" ("God is greater") was placed over the door to the building, along with another banner at the road in front of the building. The next day, the mayor of Solo visited the site and ordered that the banners be removed.

While Indonesian law does not require a permit for worshipping in a home, some insist that such restrictions do exist. The onerous requirements for building a place of worship have resulted in many churches meeting without official permits. And although local governments can issue temporary permits when applications are pending, disapproving local Islamic groups will frequently oppose them.
For more information on the difficulties encountered by Christians in Indonesia, go to our country report.

Pray for the ongoing ministry of churches throughout Indonesia. Ask the Lord to grant His direction, wisdom and encouragement to the country's church leaders as they continue seeking ways for their congregations to peacefully gather together for worship and teaching. 

May the message of the Gospel reach many more community members who are in desperate need of God's salvation, including those who strongly oppose Him, by giving them a revelation of Christ Jesus and His sacrificial love for them.

SRI LANKA: Request for Headstone on Christian Grave Denied

Source: VOMC
Source: NCEASL

In March 2023, following the passing of a pastor's son, arrangements were made for the burial to take place in a public cemetery. However, when the pastor of the "Jesus Lives Glorious Church" in Karuwalagaswewa asked for permission to erect a headstone on his son's grave, his request was denied by the Funeral Aid Society. When visited by officials on April 25th, the pastor was told that erecting a headstone on the grave of a Christian would thereby make the cemetery a Christian burial ground.

Despite the pastor's numerous requests, permission for the headstone placement has been repeatedly denied. Unfortunately, various forms of opposition from community members and local leaders, particularly in rural areas, are frequently experienced by Christians in Sri Lanka. 
To review additional reports addressing their struggles, and/or to learn how you can more effectively pray for our Sri Lankan family in Christ, visit our country report.

Please prayerfully uphold this pastor, along with other grieving family members and friends, as they mourn the loss of their loved one. 

Pray that the Holy Spirit will minister great comfort and peace to each one of them during this difficult time. May they rest assured in God's unfailing promises, finding needed solace, encouragement and hope. 

Additionally, ask the Lord to soften the hearts of the opposing local officials and community members, filling them with understanding and compassion, so they will grant this pastor his simple request.

What Is It About Jesus?

INDIA: Five Arrested at Family Celebration

Source: VOMC
Sources: Matters India, AsiaNews, Persecution Relief, Radio Veritas Asia

Bibha Kerketta made her vows to become a nun six months ago and came home in early June to celebrate with her family and friends in Balachhapar, a village located in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. However, as people gathered at her mother's home on June 6th, a group of Hindu militants barged into the house, accusing the Christians of conducting a healing service and insulting other religions.

Despite denials and explanations from those present, the mob questioned the nun and her family about why they had converted to Christianity. The aggressors also tore apart a Bible and snatched away other religious items. When police were called to investigate the disturbance, the authorities arrested Bibha, along with her mother and three others who were present. The Christians were held in the Jashpur prison until their bail hearing. On June 13th, the magistrate granted bail to each of these detained believers.

Anti-conversion legislation is commonly used as an excuse by militant Hindu groups to create problems for Christians and other religious minorities.
For more information on the persecution of followers of Jesus in India, go to our country report.

Please pray that all charges against these recently arrested believers will be dropped and that any ongoing animosities within their community would be resolved, allowing Bibha and her family to gather peacefully without fear of further attacks. 

Despite the hatred and anger directed towards them by the accusatory militants, may these Christians – as well as others encountering persecution throughout India – be examples of Christ by demonstrating His love and mercy in the face of opposition.

NIGERIA: Hundreds Killed Amid Ongoing Violence

Source: VOMC
Sources: Church in Chains, Morning Star News, Release International

The aftermath of the attacks in Mangu. Photo: Stefanos Foundation / Release International

Nigeria is considered one of the most dangerous places on earth to be a Christian because of ongoing violence from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani militants. Having been a problem primarily in the northern and central areas of the country, persecution has also recently begun infiltrating into the southern region. Two areas where violence has been particularly rampant are Benue State and Plateau State. Since mid-May, hundreds of innocent villagers were killed and tens of thousands displaced, mainly due to Fulani attacks.

In the Mangu area of Plateau State, more than 200 Christians lost their lives in a 48-hour killing spree that took place between May 16th and 17th. Spreading across as many as 30 villages, militants armed with assault weapons and machetes killed their fellow Nigerians indiscriminately while burning homes, churches and other buildings.

In Benue State, dozens of Christians have also been killed. On May 24th, several communities were raided, resulting in the destruction of entire villages and dozens of fatalities. Additional villages within this state were attacked on June 3rd and 4th, resulting in a total of 46 deaths.

Speaking of the recent attacks, Anglican Archbishop Ben Kwashi issued a call for prayer: "We as Christians in the Middle Belt [of] northern Nigeria are asking for concerted prayer because the devastation is beyond human ability to bear. Please also pray that the church will preach the Gospel of salvation."

In response to the ongoing bloodshed, The Voice of the Martyrs Canada is facilitating various International Ministry projects in Nigeria. One of them involves partnering with Christian Faith Ministries to establish a refuge for women and girls who have been affected by the violence. 
To learn more about this project, and how you can support your Nigerian family in Christ, see the video, "Update on the Construction of Mara’s House."

Pray that God's peace, comfort and strength will fill the hearts of believers in Nigeria, especially those who are mourning the loss of loved ones due to the recent attacks, as well as the many surviving victims who now must cope with the trauma they experienced. 

Ask the Lord to provide wisdom and guidance to Nigeria's leaders at all levels of governance, so that appropriate action can be taken to put a stop to the violence. 

As requested by Archbishop Kwashi, pray that the message of the Gospel would continue to spread across the nation so that many more Nigerians will receive God’s gift of eternal salvation – including the perpetrators.

INDIA: Anti-Conversion Law to be Repealed

Source: VOMC
Sources: The Guardian, The Hindu, Matters India, USA Today

Photo: Flickr / Selmer van Alten (cc)

In the state elections held in Karnataka on May 10th, the secular Indian National Congress party won a majority of seats over the former ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Moving quickly on election promises to reverse the "unconstitutional decisions" that were previously made, the newly elected government plans to introduce legislation that will repeal the state's "Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act," widely referred to as the anti-conversion law. The new bill will be introduced in the upcoming assembly session, beginning on July 3rd. The new government also plans to reverse the previous changes made to school textbooks that had promoted aggressive Hindu nationalist (Hindutva) ideologies.

Members of the BJP have condemned the planned legislation. One opposing politician accused the new government of having an "anti-Hindu agenda" through which the alleged "conversion mafia" intend to wipe out Hindus. On the other hand, Christian groups in the state have responded with relief. A representative of the Syro-Malabar Church announced in a press release that the decision "deserves appreciation by all those who stand for democracy and human rights." Catholic Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore expressed "deep gratitude and satisfaction," stating that Christians in Karnataka wished to "continue to serve all people, regardless of caste and creed, especially the poor and marginalized."

Karnataka is one of nine Indian states to have anti-conversion laws. These laws, which claim to prevent coercive religious conversions, have been consistently abused by those who oppose any religion other than Hinduism.
For more details on the ways in which our Christian brothers and sisters in India have been affected by this legislation, go to our country report.

Praise God for this small yet essential step towards religious freedom in Karnataka. 

Pray that the legislation will pass quickly, and that this decision would also provide an incentive for other states to take into consideration the numerous cases in which their anti-conversion laws have been terribly abused. 

In the process, may Christians throughout the country consistently demonstrate their commitment to extend love and grace to all people, thus proving that such restrictive legislation is unnecessary.

INDIA: Pastor and His Family Detained on False Accusations

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Church in Chains, Matters India

Pastor R. Kirubendran, with his wife Manju, and their 18-month-old daughter. Photo: Morning Star News

On April 24th, Pastor Kirubendran and his family were detained for allegedly conducting "forcible conversion" activities and "insulting religion." The pastor's wife, Manju, was released on bail in early May, along with their 18-month-old daughter. While the toddler had not been charged, she was detained along with her mother. Despite repeated attempts to post bail, Pastor Kirubendran was not released from custody until May 24th.

The imprisoned pastor is puzzled over the charges, as he had been serving in the town of Kasimabad, Uttar Pradesh, for six years without any previous incident. In addition to leading a church, Pastor Kirubendran and Manju also provided free education to 60 impoverished children, using a government-approved curriculum. Therefore, it was a shock when a crowd of opposing community members gathered outside the couple's home on April 23rd, hurling accusations against them. According to a lawyer who is following the case, militant groups had compiled a list of churches in the district with the intention of filing allegations and forcibly shutting down the places of worship.

The complainant, Bupendra Singh, claimed that 50,000 rupees were offered to any villager who converted to Christianity. The Christians were also accused of promising employment and miraculous healing, along with making objectionable comments against Hindus. Though now released on bail, Pastor Kirubendran has been unable to resume services for the 90 people who regularly attend his church. The owner of the building that was being rented by church members for the services has refused to allow the Christians entrance.

According to Pastor Kirubendran, he and his family continue to remain under threat: "Those who have complained against us...are high-caste people. They are the rich and affluent. My life can get in danger; I must stay safe and keep a low profile. We will have to prove that we are not guilty, but innocent."

The state of Uttar Pradesh heads the list for violent attacks against Christians in India, with a total of 149 reported incidents of persecution against followers of Jesus in 2022. So far, in 2023, there have already been 115 recorded anti-Christian incidents.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to our country report.

Considering the extreme hostility this family is presently facing, pray that the Lord's ministry will be experienced in their lives, keeping them safe from harm and providing for all their spiritual and practical needs.

On behalf of this persecuted family, please also pray that justice would prevail in the courts, and that all charges against them will be dropped. 

May an amiable relationship be re-established among the Christian and Hindu members of this community, allowing the ministering couple to continue serving the people of Kasimabad without fear of further threat or harassment.

BELARUS: Christian Man Fined for Sharing His Faith

Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18

Police take Vladimir Burshtyn to Drogichin District Court. Photo: Baptist Council of Churches

On June 1st, a musical group of Baptist believers arranged a performance on the streets of Drogichin in southwestern Belarus. In addition to providing uplifting music, the Christians shared their faith with those who passed by. One of the evangelists, Vladimir Burshtyn, is a Christian man in his early 70s. He travelled 110 kilometres from his home in order to participate in the meeting.

Police soon intervened at the event, forcing the believers to stop their presentation. Vladimir was then taken to the local police station where he was charged for allegedly "[violating] the procedure for organizing or conducting a mass event or demonstration." It is believed that the elderly Christian man was targeted by the authorities because he had been punished in the past for "organizing unapproved events."

Vladimir was detained until he was taken before the judge the next day. During a closed hearing, the judge fined him 555 rubles (about $300 CAD), which is equivalent to more than a senior citizen's average monthly pension income. An appeal for the ruling is planned.

When the religion laws were passed in 2002, regulations governing faith-based groups in Belarus were considered the most restrictive of all the European countries. As the government is in the process of revising that legislation, with the intent of adding further restrictions, a draft of proposed changes has been released.
To read more about the challenges being encountered by our Christian brothers and sisters in Belarus, go to our country report.

Pray that Vladimir will receive divine guidance and provision as he deals with the charges against him and the resulting fine.

In fact, please prayerfully ask the Lord to continue meeting the needs of all believers in Belarus who are boldly sharing their faith with those around them through their vital outreaches. 

May the wisdom of God, which He so willingly imparts through His Holy Spirit to all who seek Him, sovereignly direct these believers so they can continue effectively spreading the Gospel message amid opposition.

CHINA: Believers Denied Access to Their Homes

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Security guards blocked church members from returning to their residences. Photo: ChinaAid

Several members of the Early Rain Covenant Church who reside in the Languang Changdao apartment complex have been prevented from entering the building. Around noon on June 6th, families who tried to return to their homes were denied access to their apartments. When they attempted to go into the building, security guards and others assaulted the believers.

That evening, the apartment manager stopped Xu Haijun and his wife, Jin Ying, from entering their residence. As other Christians assembled to support the couple, Jin spoke to the gathering crowd, saying, "They don't allow us to live here simply because of our religious beliefs." The Christians shouted in response, "We want to go home! We want to go home!"

While the church members continued to gather, the apartment's managerial staff recruited some people to attack the crowd of believers, beating and robbing them. The injured Christians called the police to report the situation, but the authorities did not show up. Some of the believers went to the police station, seeking assistance, but they were ignored.

Church members living within this apartment complex have faced opposition for several months. In addition to being stopped multiple times, Preacher Wu Wuqing's family remains prohibited from returning to their residence. When the Christian family attempted to move some furniture on May 17th, the security guards would not allow it. In the end, the authorities threw the family's personal furniture in the trash.

On the day of this most recent incident, the Early Rain Covenant Church sent out a statement requesting prayer for the displaced church members. Within the statement, the church leaders also called on fellow believers in other parts of the world to pray about the worsening of religious freedom conditions in China: "Please also pray for Chengdu and China. If law enforcement continues to destroy the rule of law, and the government continues to abuse its power, not only Christians will suffer, but the whole country will face a dark future."

Further information on the difficulties faced by members of this church in recent years, as well as reports addressing other incidents of persecution against believers in this nation, are available at our country report.

Pray for wisdom on behalf of these ill-treated church members who are being denied rightful access to their homes.

Ask God to clearly direct their next steps as they contemplate how to appropriately deal with the situation, also filling them with comfort, courage and peace. 

In the process, may these persecuted Christians serve as effective testimonies of the Lord's love and grace to the apartment manager, other tenants living in the complex, as well as the authorities involved in the incident. 

Finally, please intercede for the nation of China as a whole, praying that the Holy Spirit will work powerfully in the hearts and minds of people throughout the nation.

Will Only a Few Be Saved?

INDIA: Church Attacked by Sikh Group

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Times of India

Traditional dress of Nihang warriors. Photo: Flickr / Ramesh Lalwani (cc)

On May 21st, Christians who had gathered together for worship at the Sukhpal Rana Ministries Church in Rajewal, Punjab, were viciously attacked by a mob dressed as traditional Sikh warriors. Members of this armed Sikh order, known as "the Nihangs," are distinguishable by their blue robes and large turbans.

According to local sources, members of the mob forced their way into the place of worship and proceeded to tear apart Bibles, attack those present with sticks, vandalize the building, and damage vehicles parked outside. Eventually, the incident escalated to the point of retaliation, with both sides throwing stones at each other.

Since the attack, the congregation has held a protest to demand that action be taken against those responsible. However, the Nihangs have denied any involvement in the incident. The state of Punjab has had a recent wave of evangelism, and the Nihangs have previously accused Christian missionaries of conducting forcible conversions. In August 2022, four masked men from the Nihang group vandalized a Catholic church in Punjab and set the priest's car on fire.

While India is a predominantly Hindu nation, the followers of Sikhism make up more than half of Punjab's population.
To learn further about the challenges Christians in India are facing, go to our country report.

Pray that the members of this church will be free to continue practising their faith without fear of more harassment and violence. 

May the Lord provide spiritual guidance and strength to these believers, helping each one to demonstrate the character of Christ in their daily interactions with those around them. 

Additionally, pray that the perpetrators responsible for the attack would not take any further action against this Christian community, but that their hearts would be radically transformed by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.

CHINA: Five Detained During Raid on Christian Education Centre

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Photo: ChinaAid

On May 24th, police raided the Shengjia Christian Education and Help Centre in Shunde City, which is located within the Chinese province of Guangdong. After forcibly entering the building, the authorities searched the premises and confiscated all the teaching materials. Pastor Deng was arrested, along with four of his coworkers.

The following day, the families of the detained Christians received official notifications stating that each believer had been given a 30-day detention for conducting "illegal business operations." When Pastor Deng's wife, Shaoting, went to the detention centre on May 26th to bring clothing for her husband, she asked the police officers to pass along a Bible to him. They refused to do so. The officers also informed her that the pastor had blisters on his back due to an infection and the resulting inflammation. At the time, she was not told if Pastor Deng would be receiving any medical treatment.

Thankfully, Shaoting was able to deliver letters of encouragement to her husband. In one of them she wrote: "All [of this] happened to us with God's goodwill and for the good of us. Honey, you retreat into God with peace and enjoy the rest while being detained. We can take good care of ourselves, strive to preach the Gospel, and wait for you to come back!"
For additional reports on the persecution of Chinese Christians, go to our country report.

As these believers serve their time in detention, please pray that each one of them will experience renewed strength, encouragement and peace. 

Also intercede for the healing of Pastor Deng and any of the other detained Christians who likewise need the ministry of the Great Physician. 

Amid the ongoing opposition against our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ, may the life-transforming message of the Gospel continue to spread throughout China.

PAKISTAN: Christian Receives Death Sentence

Source: VOMC
Sources: Kross Konnection, Morning Star News, Voicepk.net

Noman Masih Photo: Morning Star News

A 22-year-old Pakistani Christian was sentenced to death for blasphemy on May 30th. Noman Masih was found guilty of blaspheming against the Muslim prophet Muhammad because of the pictures he was accused of distributing in 2019.

The incident began when Noman's cousin, Sunny Waqas, was taken into custody on June 29th, 2019. The police claimed to have received "secret information" proving that Sunny had printed blasphemous sketches of Muhammad and was carrying them in a bag to show others. While under interrogation, Sunny allegedly told the police he had received the images from Noman through WhatsApp.

Police claim that Noman was sitting in a public park at 3:30 a.m. on July 1st, showing images to people gathered around him, when he was arrested. However, his father denies those allegations, stating that Noman was asleep in bed when police entered the home to arrest him.

All allegations against Sunny and Noman have been denied by their family members. Sunny was released from prison on February 3rd of this year since the trial had not concluded within the mandatory two-year period. Noman's family intends to appeal the conviction.

Between January 1st and May 10th, 2023, at least 57 cases of alleged blasphemy have been reported in Pakistan, with four of the accused individuals having since been lynched or otherwise killed because of those allegations.
Further information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan is available at our country report.

Pray that truth and mercy will prevail in Noman's case, so he can be freed of all charges. 

May the Lord work deeply in the hearts and minds of the court officials, as well as the country's governing leaders, so that justice will be upheld on behalf of Noman and the many other believers presently being mistreated due to their Christian faith. 

Also uphold the grieving loved ones of those who've been martyred following accusations made against them. 

To discourage further incidents of religious persecution and human rights violations, may Pakistan's greatly abused blasphemy laws ultimately be repealed.

Mexico Church Planting in the "Circle of Silence"

 Source: iCommitToPray

Aaron is a front-line worker
in a region of central Mexico
where there is little gospel
witness for Christ.

Aaron is one of many church planters advancing God’s kingdom in the “Circle of Silence,” an eight-state region in central Mexico of nearly 23 million people with less than 1% evangelical witness for Christ. There is a strong culture of Christo-paganism, which is a syncretistic blend of ancient pagan practices and Roman Catholicism, and front-line workers like Aaron are often opposed by those hostile to the gospel. Aaron lost his job because of his faithful witness, and he and others like him are routinely threatened. 

These front-line workers request prayer for renewed strength and encouragement as they serve in this difficult place. 

They also ask for prayer that God will increase their opportunities to reach more neighborhoods with the gospel and that they will be able to celebrate more baptisms as new believers trust in Christ.

Malaysia Upcoming Hearings in Case of Missing Pastor

Source: iCommitToPray 

Susanna Koh and her family have
been searching for years for
 answers about her
 husband's disappearance.

On Feb. 13, 2017, Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted off the streets of Malaysia. In 2019, Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission issued a report blaming the abduction on the “Special Branch” of Malaysia’s police. No one has since been held accountable, and Pastor Koh’s whereabouts and condition remain unknown.  Notably, there is a new judge in her case, and a judicial review was recently allowed in another disappearance case. Susanna is hopeful these developments will lead to a favorable outcome in the upcoming hearings. 

Susanna Koh, Pastor Raymond’s wife, requests prayer for court hearings on June 6 and 7 as she continues to seek the truth of her husband’s disappearance.

She requests prayer for a fair and just hearing and that the truth of Raymond’s disappearance will be revealed.

June 5, 2023 - Prayer for the Persecuted

Open in Prayer

Song: People of the Cross

Praise Reports for May 2023

May 4: INDONESIA: Church Reopens After 15 Years of Opposition

May 18: NIGERIA: More Chibok Girls Rescued
           

                 IRAN: Christian Couple Acquitted

May 25: CHINA: Five Christians Released on Bail

June 1: EGYPT: An Additional 216 Church Buildings Legalized

Prayer Items

1. Deleted

2. LIBYA: Six Christians Face Potential Death Penalties

3. INDIA: Violence Leads to Dozens of Deaths

4.Malaysia Upcoming Hearings in Case of Missing Pastor

5. Mexico Church Planting in the "Circle of Silence"

INDIA: Violence Leads to Dozens of Deaths

LIBYA: Six Christians Face Potential Death Penalties

Source: VOMC
Sources: Barnabas Aid, The Guardian, The New Arab

Pray that Libyans will have opportunities to learn of Christ. Photo: Wikipedia / Cüneyt Türksen (cc)

Six Libyans may face the death penalty for converting to Christianity and encouraging others to do the same. The believers were charged under Article 207 of Libya's penal code, which punishes any attempt to spread views that aim to "alter fundamental constitutional principles, or the fundamental structures of the social order, or overthrow the state, and anyone who possesses books, leaflets, drawings, slogans or any other items that promote their cause."

The Christians, who are from western Libya, had been detained by the authorities in March. One of the believers is a 22-year-old woman who released a video explaining her conversion which took place when she was 15 years of age. In a statement from Libya's Internal Security Agency, it was reported that the arrests were made to "stop an organized gang action aiming to solicit and make people leave Islam."

According to the interim constitution of Libya, while Islam is the state religion and the principal source of legislation, non-Muslims in the country are guaranteed the freedom to practise their religion.
To read more about the persecution of Christians living in this North African nation, go to our country report.

Please intercede for the believers who have been recently imprisoned because of their faith in Christ. 

During their time in captivity, pray that God will wonderfully "restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish" each one of them (1 Peter 5:10 ESV). 

Additionally, lift up their families before His throne of grace, asking that they will also be filled with peace, encouragement and hope as they deal with this difficult situation. 

May the Lord sovereignly intervene by advocating on behalf of the imprisoned Christians in the courts, resulting in a favourable outcome, so they may soon be released and granted the freedom to practise their faith without further harassment.

SUDAN: Christians Wounded Amid Military Violence

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Barnabas Aid, Monitor, CNN, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Christianity Today

A Coptic church in Sudan. Photo: Wikipedia / Bertramz (cc)

Five Christians were injured when unidentified gunmen entered a Coptic Orthodox church in Omdurman, Sudan, in the early morning hours of May 14th. Those wounded during the attack were Rev. Arsanius Zaria and his son, a church cantor, a guard and another parishioner. All five believers received hospital treatment and have since been released.

During the attack, the assailants reportedly stormed the church building, calling those present "infidels" and "sons of dogs," and ordered the Christians to convert to Islam. They then demanded money, before proceeding to loot and damage the building. While the attackers wore scarves to conceal their identities, witnesses have stated that some of them were wearing uniform items from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that is presently fighting against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). These two parties have been battling for control of the country since April 15th. However, both sides of the conflict deny any involvement in this particular incident.

Due to the extreme violence, most foreign nationals have been evacuated from the country, and nearly 1.4 million Sudanese people have fled for safety. At least 730 people have been killed since the start of the civil war, and over 5,000 were wounded. In addition, places of worship have been violated during the fighting, and Christians have been left uncertain about the future as their lives crumble amidst the ongoing destruction. As governments from around the world were evacuating their citizens, advocates called on the international community to monitor the situation, fearful that human rights abuses may worsen without a watchful eye.

Pray that the violence, which has been spurred on by internal factions seeking to control the country, will soon come to an end so a peaceful resolution may be achieved. 

Furthermore, pray that the fighting would not be used as a cover-up for committing religious violence. 

Continue to prayerfully uphold our Christian brothers and sisters remaining in Sudan, asking God to ensure their safety, as well as the provisions required to meet their spiritual and practical needs.

EGYPT: An Additional 216 Church Buildings Legalized

Source: VOMC
Sources: Church in Chains, Egypt Independent, Ahram Online

A church in Egypt. Photo: Flickr / Andrew A. Shenouda (cc)

Seven years ago, the Egyptian government formed a committee to work through applications to legalize unlicensed church buildings. When the committee was first formed, there were 3,730 outstanding applications. Though the process has been exceedingly slow, thankfully that number has been gradually decreasing.
To review previously posted reports on this situation, go to our country report.

In the most recent announcement, an additional 216 Christian church buildings were approved on May 15th. This brings the total number of approvals since the committee was formed to 2,815. The committee, which is chaired by the Prime Minister, includes six other government ministers, along with representatives from various Christian groups.

While we can give thanks to God that the legal obstacles have now been removed from these recently approved churches, please continue to pray that the remaining applications would be dealt with in an expeditious manner. 

As a result, may the ongoing ministry of God's Word reach many in search of spiritual truth throughout Egypt, so that true religious freedom and equality will be enjoyed by the citizens of this northeast African nation.