DR CONGO: Increasing Violence by IS Terrorists

Source: VOMC
Source: BBC Monitoring

IS celebrated killing "over 100 Christians" in March. Photo: al-Naba

According to an analysis conducted by BBC Monitoring, the self-declared terrorist group, Islamic State (IS), and its affiliated members have significantly escalated a campaign of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the first half of 2023, the terrorists claimed to have instigated 58 violent attacks in the DR Congo, targeting those whom they identify as Christians. These attacks are concentrated in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.

This influx of violence took place despite the fact that the number of attacks in the southeastern African country of Mozambique has dropped significantly since the previous year. Statistics indicate that, in 2022, Mozambique bore the brunt of the aggression perpetrated by IS; however, the jihadist group has lost considerable influence in that country during recent months.

The terrorist group's recently published propaganda boasts that its militants have plundered Christian villages and massacred local residents of these targeted communities. The group justifies their attacks by claiming that the Quran dictates that Christians must either pay a tax (Jizya), convert to Islam, or face death. There is no indication that the first two options were offered to any of the Christians affected by the recent attacks.

The DR Congo is considered predominantly Christian, with Muslims making up a little more than one percent of the population. Therefore, any time the militant Islamic group launches an attack in the country, its members could assumedly imply that it was perpetrated against "Christians." Nevertheless, IS fighters have been clearly targeting Christians in their efforts to establish an Islamic nation within central Africa. In their weekly newsletter, al-Naba, they claim the attacks are "avenging Muslims killed or imprisoned by Christian armies." Yet, since the group's ability to attack armed forces has been diminished, the recently occurring violence has mainly been inflicted on civilians.

Prayerfully ask the Lord to minister His peace and comfort to the many innocent people who have been affected by these escalated attacks. 

Pray that the governing authorities of this Central African nation will receive the wisdom and resources needed to put a stop to this violence and prevent it from reoccurring. 

Please also intercede on behalf of those responsible for the attacks. May they be convicted of their horrific crimes against humanity and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, also be brought to a point of repentance and salvation.

VIETNAM: Imprisoned Pastor Faces Health Issues

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Radio Free Asia

Pastor Nguyen Trung Ton Photo: Viet Tan Facebook page

Vietnamese pastor Nguyen Trung Ton was imprisoned in 2011 on charges of "anti-state propaganda." He was rearrested in 2017 and convicted in April 2018 for "carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the government." The Christian leader was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
(To review previously published information on the pastor's sentencing, go to this page.)

According to a report from Radio Free Asia, Pastor Nguyen has been suffering from a persistent cough following COVID-19 but was denied any medical treatment. He also has an eye condition resulting in almost total loss of his vision. The pastor's wife, Nguyen Thi Lanh, has expressed concern for her husband's life due to the poor prison conditions.

The inhumane treatment and lack of medical care in prisons throughout Vietnam are believed to have contributed to the deaths of several political prisoners in recent years, including Lutheran pastor Dinh Diem in January 2023.

Please pray for great improvement to take place regarding Pastor Nguyen's overall well-being, asking the Lord to grant him physical healing, as well as needed spiritual strength and encouragement.

May the authorities be moved to release this long-suffering church leader, along with other believers who have been imprisoned in Vietnam because of their Christian faith and defence of human rights. 

Also ask the Lord to minister to Pastor Nguyen's wife as she deals with this difficult time of separation, and the resulting inability to care for her husband during his time of need.

ALGERIA: Christian Convert Receives Presidential Pardon

Source: VOMC
Source: Middle East Concern

Algerian Christians are rejoicing over the release of Hamid Soudad, a Christian convert who was sentenced in March 2021 to five years in prison for blasphemy (read more). Hamid was among the 8,500-plus prisoners who were released or had their sentences decreased as part of the Algerian Independence Day celebrations on July 5th.

Married with four young children, Hamid has been a believer since 2001. In 2018, he shared a caricature of the Islamic prophet Muhammad on social media, which resulted in his arrest.
For more about the persecution of Christians in Algeria, go to our country report.

Praise God that this believer has been pardoned and, as a result, is now happily reunited with his young family! 

Pray that Hamid will fully recover from the ordeal, so he can transition well to life beyond the confinement of prison walls. 

Throughout the process, may the Lord minister in wonderful ways to Hamid and his family, providing them great peace, healing from the trauma of his imprisonment, and guidance as they anticipate a brighter future. 

Continue to prayerfully uphold this North African nation, praying that our Algerian Christian brothers and sisters will be granted freedom to worship God and share their faith without the threat of charges or imprisonment.

ERITREA: Pastors Endured 7,000 Days in Prison

Source: VOMC
Sources: Mission Network News, Church in Chains

Pastor Haile Naizgi and Dr. Kiflu Gebremeskel

In 2002, the government of Eritrea passed legislation that locked down religious freedom in the country, outlawing every religion except Sunni Islam, Eritrean Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism and Lutheranism. Since that time, hundreds of believers have been detained without charge and often held for many years without trial.

Before his arrest, Pastor Haile Naizgi* was the chair of the Full Gospel Church of Eritrea – a network comprised of approximately 150 house church groups. These church groups were forcibly closed by a governmental decree but given an application form for official registration. Although the mandated forms were completed and submitted, the representing church leaders received no further contact from the government – until Pastor Haile's arrest in May 2004. He has remained in prison under deplorable conditions ever since.

Another church leader, Dr. Kiflu Gebremeskel, served as the chair of the Eritrean Evangelical Alliance and a member of the executive committee of the Full Gospel Church when he was arrested during an early morning raid on May 23rd, 2004.
For more details on the initial arrests of these two church leaders, go to this page.

This past weekend marked a heartbreaking milestone, as these two Christian men passed their 7,000th day in prison. Reflecting on this solemn anniversary, Todd Neddleton from VOM USA stated: "[That equates to] one thousand weeks away from their families. Children that were very young when their fathers were arrested are now college graduates and even parents themselves. How many family milestones have these two Christians missed over the past 7,000 days? As a father and a grandfather, I weep at the thought of all the significant moments they have sacrificed for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom."

Greg Musselman, host of the video podcast, Closer to the Fire, recently interviewed Dr. Berhane Asmelash from Release Eritrea about the difficult situation facing these Christian leaders, as well as the estimated 400 other believers who remain detained in Eritrea without trial or legal representation.
To view this informative podcast, and learn more about persecution in Eritrea, go to VOMCanada.com/video/ReleaseEritrea1.

Prayerfully uphold Pastor Haile and Dr. Kiflu as they endure this lengthy time of captivity, asking that these faithful believers will receive greatly needed encouragement, strength and hope. 

Please also pray for God's sustaining grace over the lives their wives, children and grandchildren. 

May the governing political leaders of countries around the world take a stand against such human rights abuses, petitioning Eritrean governmental officials to allow freedom of conscience and religion, as well as the safe release of all who are presently being arbitrarily detained.

*Note: Pastor Haile Naizgi's translated surname has also been spelled "Naizghi" or "Nayzgi" in previously published reports by various news sources. VOMC's contacts have recently confirmed with the pastor's family that the preferred English spelling of their surname is "Naizgi."

PAKISTAN: Alleged Blasphemy Instigates Outrage

Source: VOMC
Source: CLAAS-UK

Protest in Pakistan over the burning of the Quran in Sweden. Photo: CLAAS-UK

A blasphemy allegation has created unrest in the Sargodha district of Punjab, leaving Christians concerned about their safety. This is the third such incident to have occurred in the area over the past month – including one ongoing case involving Haroon Shahzad, who was accused of blasphemy after posting a Scripture passage to his Facebook page on June 29th.
(To review the previously posted report, go to this page.)

In this latest incident, a Muslim man by the name of Mohd Abdul Gaffer was returning home after his morning prayers to Allah on July 16th when he spotted a pamphlet tucked into a section of the wall surrounding his house. According to Mohd, the contents were highly disrespectful of Muhammad and the Quran, and it included praise over a recent incident that took place in Sweden where a Quran had been burned. News of the pamphlet rapidly spread, resulting in outrage among the members of the Muslim community. Police quickly responded as demonstrations of protest began to build. Although the officers at the scene were able to quell any violence. a police report was issued in compliance with the demands of the angered mob.

This area of Punjab is home to several Christian communities, and some local Muslims who were angered by the pamphlet have placed blame on the neighbouring Christians. While police intervention likely prevented immediate violence, believers are very mindful of past instances of persecution and feel uneasy about the potential for more mob violence. "The unknown identities of the culprits are cause for alarm, and it is unfortunate that fingers are being pointed towards Christians," states Nasir Saeed, who serves as the director of CLAAS-UK.

Some Christian leaders have suggested that this incident could be the work of individuals hoping to exploit the anger of the Muslim community following the public burning of a Quran in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 28th. Christians throughout Pakistan have condemned the Quran burning, demonstrating their commitment to peaceful coexistence and respect for all faiths. Nevertheless, some militants in Pakistan have endeavoured to stir up hatred against their Christian neighbours, to the point of fabricating stories to incite increased volatility.

Praise God for the swift intervention of the police in this most recent incident. 

Pray that the authorities will be able to continue defusing any further violence amid ongoing religious tensions throughout this area of Punjab. 

Prayerfully uphold our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan as they endeavour to live peaceable lives within a very volatile nation. May each believer be filled with God's wisdom as they seek to interact with those around them – conveying His love, grace and peace to their Muslim neighbours.

SRI LANKA: Christians Assaulted and Threatened

Source: VOMC
Source: NCEASL

A church in Sri Lanka. Photo: VOMC

As the pastor of the Good Shepherd Church in the Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka seeks to demonstrate the love of Christ to the members of his community, part of his ministry includes overseeing a drug rehabilitation centre in the local village. According to a recent report, a Christian man working at the centre was attacked on June 16th by two opposing villagers, resulting in abrasions on his neck. The perpetrators also threatened to "break the church."

On June 19th, two other individuals who worked at the centre were travelling by bicycle when they were assaulted by a few people armed with iron rods. One of the Christian workers suffered an injury to his head, while the other sustained wounds to his hands. Both believers received medical treatment in hospital. That evening, the same perpetrators went to the homes of two other families who were members of the Good Shepherd Church and threatened these believers, demanding that they stop attending the church.

Police reports have been filed for each of these instances. However, at last report, no charges have been laid against any of the attackers.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Sri Lanka, go to our country report.

Pray for divine protection on behalf of the members of this Sri Lankan church, along with those serving the needs of vulnerable community members. 

May the Gospel message of God's love, healing and deliverance reach the hearts of many more people in this community. 

Additionally, pray that those responsible for these attacks would not only be held accountable for their actions, but that they would turn to Christ in sincere repentance.

PAKISTAN: Accused Christian Blocked from Bail Hearing

Source: VOMC
Source: Morning Star News

Police in Pakistan prevented a Christian who was accused of blasphemy from attending his bail hearing on July 11th. As a result, the judge bowed to pressure from a crowd of protesters and thus denied the believer's release. The accused, Haroon Shahzad, has been held in "protective custody" since July 3rd, even though he was initially released on bail. Haroon is presently facing charges of blasphemy because of a Scripture passage he posted on Facebook without any comment. (See this page for more details.)

At the bail hearing, Haroon's lawyer, Aneeqa Maria, was taken aback when police entered the courtroom without her client. One of the officers claimed that Haroon was not in police custody and denied knowing the Christian man's whereabouts. Consequently, since the accused had not appeared in court, the judge rejected Haroon's bail application. When leaving the courthouse, Aneeqa and those with her were warned about angry protesters outside, forcing them to leave through a rear exit. She has since learned that the police had also delayed formally recording her client's arrest until after the hearing in order to keep him incarcerated.

In Pakistan, accusations of blasphemy regularly result in mob demonstrations. Those suspected of the alleged crimes subsequently face threats of death even if they are found innocent.
To learn more about the unjust treatment of Christians in this South Asian nation, and/or to review reports on other cases of persecution, go to our country report.

Pray that Haroon will not only be released soon from custody, but that he and his family – as well as all those defending him – will be kept safe from vigilante attacks. 

May necessary steps ultimately leading towards improved religious freedom conditions throughout the country be taken by the government sectors and courts of Pakistan, in hopes that accusations of this nature will no longer be used against our innocent brothers and sisters in Christ.

LIBYA: Imprisonment for Leaving Islam

Source: VOMC Contacts

Over three months ago, at least ten Libyan Christians were arrested for converting from Islam to Christianity. Two other believers, one from Nigeria and one from Pakistan, have also been arrested because of their association with these Libyan converts. All twelve arrested believers are being held on charges of proselytism (considered "instigating division" by governing officials) which carry a maximum sentence of death.

Islam remains the dominant religion in Libya and forms the basis for the country's legal system. While there is no law explicitly prohibiting religious conversions, some Muslim leaders have argued that leaving Islam is an act of apostasy, which happens to be punishable by death. 
For more information on the severe persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters in Libya, go to our country report.

Please pray with us that these believers will be released from custody and set free of all charges. 

Ask the Lord to touch the hearts of the officials responsible for their arrests – as well as those representing the country's other levels of governance – bringing about a favourable outcome for these faithful followers of Jesus and others facing similar charges. 

May God direct Libya's leaders, leading to a political and legal system that provides all believers protection from unjust accusations and grants them the freedom to gather for worship without the threat of imprisonment and life-threatening sentences.

CHINA: Churches Mandated to Promote Communism

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

A 'hammer and sickle' symbol was placed next to Shinian Christian Church’s sign. Photo: ChinaAid

On July 3rd, a banner displaying the Communists' symbolic 'hammer and sickle' was raised next to the Shinian Christian Church in Zhejiang province, China. According to a pastor in the area, the Taizhou Religious Affairs Bureau sent notices to local churches mandating that all religious venues must put up large signs with the following wording at their entrances: "Love the Chinese Communist Party, love the country, and love the religion," as well as "Uphold the principle of developing religions in the Chinese context."

What is unusual about this demand is the fact that the notified churches are not part of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and thus there is no legal grounds for displaying the signs. However, according to a local pastor, officials are implementing religious persecution as a means of gaining political influence and promotion.

Since Christianity is flourishing in Zhejiang province, governing officials are increasing measures to control it. This has brought about demands that religion must "develop in the Chinese context," an ideology also known as "Sinicization." Christians who do not adhere to this process by adapting their beliefs to socialist values frequently encounter harsh persecution. Due to current trends, it is anticipated that religious oppression in the region is likely to escalate over the next few years.
To learn more about the persecution of Christians in China, and/or to review previously posted reports, go to our country report.

As the church leaders in Zhejiang province deal with the increased expectations being placed on them, pray that they will receive God's divine wisdom and guidance. 

In spite of attempts by CCP officials to Sinicize the Christian faith, may the Gospel message remain untainted so many more people throughout China will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

Please also remember the many believers who are presently suffering for their faith, asking the Lord to grant each one of them the strength and grace to continue faithfully serving as His courageous witnesses.

INDONESIA: Seal Removed from Church Building

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, VOI, Kilat.com

Christians in Ciracas, East Jakarta, were jubilant when local officials removed the seal from the door of their church building on June 26th, three months after it was forced to close. The officials had claimed earlier that the congregation's legal permits and other requirements were incomplete, leading to the closure of the GKI Palsigunung church building on March 20th.

During the month of March, just prior to the closure, the church was forced to move to a new area after flooding drove the congregants from their previous worship site. Upon finding a new location, they obtained the required number of signatures from nearby residents – a government prerequisite for establishing a place of worship in the community – and applied for the necessary permits. However, because the local neighbourhood leader, as well as the head of the Citizens Association, refused to sign the application, the church building was forcibly sealed.

Apparently, some officials had understood that the building was to be used as offices and not as a place of worship. Now that the authorities have reopened the church, one provincial leader stated that concessions will be made to allow worship in the building while the final paperwork is being completed. It is hoped that the revisions to the application will be completed soon, allowing the building to be legally used as a place of worship. One member of the church expressed her hopes that the church will not be forced to close again.

Places of worship in Indonesia frequently encounter obstacles when attempting to conduct services, particularly from local governments. Strict permit requirements are in place for churches, and the arduous permission process can take years to complete. Sometimes local officials also attempt to ban religious gatherings in local homes.
More about the persecution of Christians in Indonesia is available at our country report.

Praise God that these church members have gained access to their new building! 

Pray that the permit process will be completed promptly and efficiently, allowing these believers to resume their worship activities without encountering any further difficulties. 

Continue to pray for the many other churches in Indonesia that are experiencing opposition from local groups wanting to prevent the advancement of the Gospel, asking the Lord to minister renewed strength, peace and encouragement to His persevering followers.

PAKISTAN: Woman Killed for Refusing to Convert to Islam

Source: VOMC
Sources: CLAAS, Kross Konnection, Morning Star News

Shazia Imran Photo: Morning Star News

A Christian widow and mother of three was abducted, raped, murdered, and doused with acid after she refused to convert to Islam and marry one of her abductors. Shazia Imran worked at LUMS University in Lahore, Pakistan. On June 6th, at the end of her work shift, she failed to return home. Worried family members searched throughout the night for her and, the next day, they filed a police report. The police contacted the family that same day to notify them that a body was found in the morning. The family was able to identify the body as their missing loved one.

For some time prior to the attack, Shazia had been receiving pressure from a local Muslim man, Mani Gujjar. Not wanting to cause problems for the rest of her family, she did not share this concern with them until a few days before her murder. At that time, she told her sister-in-law that Mani had threatened to kill her if she did not convert to Islam and marry him.

When questioned by the authorities, Mani confessed to the crime. However, the police have not pursued the arrests of three accomplices: Mani's brother and two cousins. The accused claims that the Christian woman had been in a relationship with him but recently started blackmailing him. "We doubt that we'll get justice for our sister, as the police [officials'] bias is evident," stated the victim's brother Zafar. He and his family have gone into hiding due to fear of retribution.

Shazia's husband had passed away 18 months earlier under suspicious circumstances. The family believes that Shazia's attackers are the same people who were responsible for her husband's death, which was ruled an accident by the police in order to protect the accused. Shazia leaves behind two sons, Salman (16) and Abrar (6), as well as a daughter, Aliza (7). While they are under the care of their uncle Zafar, Salman is working to provide for his siblings. The younger children have been unable to continue their education because of financial constraints.

Forced conversions and marriages happen frequently in Pakistan but are often not reported, nor are they sufficiently pursued within the country's legal system.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Please prayerfully remember Shazia's family members, including her three children and brother Zafar, as they grieve the tragic loss of their loved one. 

May each of them tangibly experience the Lord's comforting presence during this time of mourning. 

Pray that justice will be upheld by the officials, and that those who perpetrated the crimes would be held responsible. 

Also pray that the family will be safe from the threats made against them.

CHINA: Church Members Arrested for Alleged Illegal Business Activities

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Wang Weicai with his wife Photo: ChinaAid

Four Christians from the Shingjia Church in Shunde City have been arrested on suspicion of conducting "illegal business practices." The accused believers include Pastor Deng Yanxiang and three coworkers: Zhu Longjiang, Wang Weicai and Zhu Qiaoling.

On the morning of May 24th, police officers raided the church's education centre. After the facility was searched, all educational materials – including computers, desks, chairs and books – were loaded into a truck. The door to the facility was then sealed and the four Christians were taken into custody. They were given a 30-day administrative detention. However, none of the detained believers were released at the end of that term.

Zhu Longjiang's wife describes him as a devout Christian. She prays that he will soon be released so he can continue to serve his elderly parents who need extensive care. Wang Weicai's wife questions the reasons for the charges against her husband. "He is always devout and loves the Lord and actively helps brothers and sisters," she stated. "How does he suddenly become a criminal?" Zhu Qiaoling is known for her hospitality and, through an online group, often distributed items to Christians in need.

The Shingjia Church is one of many places of worship in China presently facing opposition in the form of arrests, harassment or fines.
To learn more about the persecution of Christians in this Communist nation, go to our country report.

Pray that these detained believers will be released from custody and not subjected to further legal problems. 

Also remember the family members who are missing their loved ones during this time of separation. 

Continue to pray for the ongoing ministries of Christians throughout China, asking the Lord to bless and multiply their efforts so that the message of the Gospel will continue to transform many lives in spite of governmental opposition.

PAKISTAN: Hundreds Flee After Blasphemy Charges

Source: VOMC
Sources: Pakistan Christian Post, Kross Konnection, Morning Star News, Steadfast Global

Police have charged a Christian man, Haroon Shahzad, with blasphemy after he posted a Bible passage onto his Facebook page on June 29th. The passage, 1 Corinthians 10:18-21, refers to the sacrificing of food to idols, and the timing of the post coincided with the beginning of the Islamic feast of Eid al-Adha. The post was made without comment.

The Islamic feast commemorates God's provision of a lamb for Abraham to sacrifice in his son's place. A local villager took offense to Haroon's post, stating that it disrespected the Abrahamic tradition of animal sacrifice and likened Muslims to pagans. The villager shared a screenshot of the post with local social media groups and, as a result, it stirred up anger within the community.

The next day, leaders of local mosques called for people to gather in protest of the post after Friday prayers. Mobs from other villages also joined the angered community, and police were called to avert potential attacks made against the 250 to 300 Christian families in the village. While the authorities were able to deter any such attacks from occurring, the majority of the Christians were forced to flee the village, including Haroon and most of his family.

Charges were laid against Haroon for blasphemy, despite the argument that he had made no personal statement when posting the Scripture passage. In an effort to force him to surrender, the authorities detained his two sisters-in-law who had stayed behind to care for their disabled parents rather than fleeing. The women were released on July 2nd after Haroon's brother and two others presented themselves for detention in their stead.

Haroon was detained and then released on bail as of July 3rd. However, he was taken into "protective custody" the next day. The attorney representing him is hopeful that he will again be released on bail at the next hearing. It is believed that the charges against Haroon were largely based on a personal grudge harboured against him by the complainant, Imran Ullah.

Speaking of the original post, Christian and former lawmaker Tahir Naveed Chaudhry conceded that "there was no inflammatory comment in it, but perhaps the timing was not right." Unfortunately, the calls for protests from the mosque loudspeakers led to the possibility of mob violence being committed against Christians of the community in general.

The blasphemy laws in Pakistan have led to numerous cases of arrests and convictions, often due to interpersonal conflicts which have little to do with religion. It is believed that around 80 people are currently being detained in Pakistan on blasphemy charges, half of whom are facing life in prison or the death penalty. Even in cases where the accused individuals have been released, many of them were forced to hide or flee for their lives. One such example is Sawan Masih, an acquitted Christian man who remains virtually in prison because of the threats on his life. (For information on Sawan's situation, go to this page.) VOMC's ministry partner, Steadfast Global, continues to work diligently to get Sawan and his family out of the country, despite the roadblocks they are facing.

Prayerfully uplift Haroon, his family, and the other Christians in their community, who are living in fear because of this threatening situation. May each one of these believers be given the right words to say to help dispel the anger of hostile community members. 

Pray for the Lord's protection over the numerous followers of Jesus who have been forced to flee through no fault of their own. 

Finally, remember all those who have been unjustly sentenced with blasphemy and, as a result, presently remain in prisons across Pakistan (Hebrews 13:3).