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Thursday, December 28, 2023
Nearly 200 Nigerians Killed in Christmas Eve Massacre
CHINA
Source: VOMC
At least once each month, reports have revealed the various ways in which officials of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) attempt to control the church in China and further their socialist agenda. By implementing the policy of "Sinicization," the country's political leadership demands that all teachings be presented within a Chinese context, as defined by the CCP. These messages must reflect the CCP;s political stance and the values of President Xi Jinping.
Religious symbols are forbidden from being posted outdoors, yet the Chinese flag and a photo of President Xi must be displayed in a prominent place of each church. The government's agenda has also been infiltrating the homes of its citizens, for children are not allowed to be taught about the Christian faith. Multiple arrests of believers have taken place relating to the education of their children.
Pastors and other leaders from house churches have been particularly targeted, resulting in government surveillance, arrest, interrogation, imprisonment, and other forms of harassment. Sometimes those detained are interrogated and released; others are confined for months without trial. The charges against them range from "picking quarrels" to "illegal business practices" or "organizing illegal gatherings."
Some congregations have been subjected to repeated harassment, such as those affiliated with the Early Rain Covenant Church, the Golden Lampstand Church and the Ren'ai Reformed Church. The persecution may involve a violent raid during a worship service, as was experienced by congregants on March 12th (read more). While officers manhandled the worshippers, the church choir continued to sing the hymn, Near the Cross. Along with the arrests of attending members, there have also been increasing incidents in which landlords were pressured by the government to evict specifically targeted Christians, forcing them and their families to move from their homes.
In keeping with God's promises to even work through life's most difficult situations, imprisoned church leaders seized the ministry opportunities presented to them within the confines of their prison cells. One example of such dedication to the Lord's call to ministry was demonstrated by Pastor Geng Zejun, whose "congregation" included fellow inmates. During his incarceration, he gained the respect of both fellow prisoners and prison wardens who personally sought his counsel and ministry
(see this report).
Thankfully, at least two pastors who served several years in prison were released during the spring of 2023. Alimujiang Yimiti, a pastor and member of the oppressed Uyghur people, was released after serving 15 years in prison! Another church leader, 68-year-old Hu Shigen, was released after more than seven years. And this was not the elderly leader's only incarceration. In total, Hu Shigen has endured over 24 years of imprisonment for his faithful Gospel work. These are just a few examples of the many reports received through our ministry partners.
For more information, and/or to view a full list of reports, go to our country report.
Praise God for His ongoing work in the nation of China, where it has been clearly demonstrated that 'the gates of hell will not prevail against Christ's church' (Matthew 16:18).
Please prayerfully uphold the many believers presently remaining in prison, and their loved ones, as they endure this difficult time of separation.
Despite the government's opposition, may our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ continue with their ministry work – raising up disciples throughout the nation in the process – so that many others in China will hear the Gospel message and become an integral part of God's Kingdom.
PAKISTAN
Source: VOMC
Religious minorities in the predominantly Muslim nation of Pakistan are frequently looked down upon and treated with contempt by opposing community members. Persecution reports have generally fallen into one of the following two categories: 1) believers accused of blasphemy; and 2) Christian girls and young women who were abducted and forcibly married to Muslim men.
Numerous reports have been published outlining the injustices experienced by the concerned families of Christian girls and young women who were kidnapped, raped, forced to convert to Islam, and then married off to their captors. As the families of these vulnerable victims are generally very poor and considered to be of low societal status, support from the courts and community members in such cases is far too often minimal.
In two disturbing incidents, the kidnapping escalated to murder. In June, a Christian widow and mother of three was abducted, raped, doused with acid and murdered – all for merely refusing the advances of a local man who wanted her to convert to Islam and marry him. In December 2022, a 12-year-old girl named Hoorab was kidnapped. After her captors were discovered and brought to court, Hoorab's father, Basharat, was killed on April 24th. It is believed that Basharat's murder was perpetrated by those seeking revenge for his attempts to bring his daughter's captors to justice
(learn more).
For many years, blasphemy accusations have been used as an easy way for unscrupulous individuals to seek revenge against Christians during personal or business disagreements. Such accusations can quickly spread to the point of instigating the wrath of frenzied rioters who react by committing devastating acts of violence and destruction. Not only were the accused believers and their families at risk, so were the lives of the individuals who tried to justly defend them. This has resulted in increased challenges for those seeking justice within the country's legal system.
In June, a Scripture verse was posted on Facebook by a Christian, sparking the outrage of militant Muslims against all believers in general. Due to the uncontrollable mob violence, hundreds of Christians were forced to flee for their lives (read more). Two months later, after allegations were made that two Christian brothers had been burning pages of the Quran, thousands of angry rioters stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala. Numerous churches and homes were destroyed in the attacks, leaving so many innocent victims grief-stricken and destitute.
A video report on the latter incident may be viewed here.
When reviewing other reports of the past year, it appears that Pakistan's courts have been more careful when examining evidence relating to blasphemy cases. In an incident that occurred this September, a couple was charged because a bystander in their community noticed papers containing Quranic verses blowing from a rooftop. The accused believers were released a month later due to the lack of evidence. In a previous case that took place in January, an airport security officer was accused of blasphemy simply for doing her job by restricting entrance to a secure location. All the accusations made against the officer were quickly dismissed after the facts were determined.
To read this year's 25 reports relating to the country of Pakistan, along with those of previous years, go to our country report.
Please pray for Christians in Pakistan who are courageously persevering in their faith amid such a harsh environment, including those who are presently imprisoned because of the false accusations made against them.
Also intercede for believers who have been acquitted, but yet still face hostility from the spiritually opposing members of their communities.
May God mightily intervene in this South Asian nation, bringing about an atmosphere of tolerance and unity, while also leading court and legislative officials to act justly on behalf of all Pakistan's citizens.
Last, but not least, remember our suffering sisters in Christ who have been forcibly "married" to their abusers, asking the Lord to encourage, comfort and strengthen each one of them through the many assuring promises in His Word, an increased awareness of His divine presence, and a greater sense of His sustaining grace.
NIGERIA
Source: VOMC
As the most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria has a democratically elected government with religious freedoms engrained in the constitution. Even so, this country remains divided according to the overall religious affiliation of the representing populations: the northern part of the country, which is predominantly Muslim; and the southern half where the majority claim to be Christian.
Reports indicate that much of the violence targeting Christians was committed by members of militant Islamic groups within the country. Terrorist groups, such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have been working to establish an Islamic state. In recent years, however, violence by the country's Fulani herdsmen has grown to be a major influence.
The Fulani are traditionally a nomadic people who herd livestock across the region, often without any regard for those living in these areas. There were times when the violent conflicts had taken place over the grazing of land. Yet, when the militant Islamic ideologies within some Fulani groups became a factor, Christian communities were threatened with even further challenges.
Raids committed by armed Fulani bandits, specifically those targeting churches and the homes of congregation members, have devastated entire communities. Along with the killing and pillaging, the Fulani militants also captured hostages during the raids with the intention of having them ransomed. As these raids spread further south in Nigeria, hundreds of Christians have been killed or kidnapped. A particularly devastating series of attacks happened recently between December 24th and the 26th when at least 140 people were killed in multiple villages of the country's Plateau State. More details may be released in future alerts as additional reports become available.
Over the years, incidents involving the kidnapping of school students have also been devastating for the country's Christians. More than five years ago, a girls' school in Dapchi was raided. Of the 110 students kidnapped, only one of them, Leah Sharibu, remains missing. Leah's family continues to call for those around the world to pray for their teen's release from captivity and for the Nigerian government to advocate on her behalf.
In a separate incident, which took place in 2014, a total of 276 girls were abducted from a school in Chibok. Approximately 100 of them are still missing. Thankfully, the families of Huwa Maltha and Ester Marcus were joyfully reunited following their girls' rescue in April. This year also marked the final student to be welcomed home of those who had been kidnapped at the Bethel Baptist High School in July 2021.
For an overview of all the Nigeria reports posted by VOMC during the year of 2023 and beyond, go to our country report.
Praise God for the safe return of believers who had been kidnapped in Nigeria, as they now can enjoy being joyously reunited with their families and friends.
In the meantime, please continue to pray for the hundreds of others who are suffering from the aftermath of the violent raids – specifically those whose loved ones have been killed or remain in captivity, as well as followers of Jesus who have lost their homes, businesses and churches for their faith in Him.
May they too receive greatly needed comfort, healing, peace, restoration, protection and provision.... Overall, pray that the Holy Spirit will work miraculously throughout the entire nation of Nigeria, bringing the hope of the Gospel message to all who are in desperate need of God's forgiveness and eternal salvation.
INDONESIA
Source: VOMC
Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. While freedom of religion is guaranteed in the constitution, Muslims generally receive preferential treatment from the government. In order to establish and operate places of worship, permits are officially required; yet, in practise, only non-Muslims must comply. These permits are very difficult for churches to obtain. To be granted an official permit, each congregation must be comprised of a minimum of 90 members and needs authorization from at least 60 non-Christian residents in the area.
Conflicts about worship services dominate many of the reports coming from Indonesia. Because of the restrictive nature of the permit process, churches will frequently gather without a permit, which can bring about conflict with opposing neighbours. Even for small groups of believers gathering in a home – something that is officially permitted by the government – there may be demands placed upon them to obtain a permit.
In an incident that took place this February, a local village official violently demanded that a church service stop, claiming that the congregation did not have a permit. Due to the nature of the attack, the official was charged and convicted for his assault, and the church was issued a temporary permit while working through the arduous process of obtaining permanent governmental approval.
For the Yasmin Church in Bogor, the permit process was a long time coming. Initially approved in 2006, the church encountered numerous delays due to opposition from some of the Muslim residents. Although the permit took more than 15 years to obtain, along with a forced relocation, the church finally opened on Easter Sunday with several politicians in attendance.
Various levels of government have tried to change the image of the country. In 2022, when the country's Muslim president attended a Christmas Day service, he called for peace between religions. Additionally, the mayor of Bogor took part in the inauguration of the Yasmin Church, despite years of opposition from locals officials. While these political leaders' actions can be viewed as examples of religious tolerance, the ongoing opposition of others at the local level continues to impede any progress towards religious freedom.
For more details on these reports, and others relating to Indonesia, go to our country report.
Prayerfully remember Indonesian Christians who continue to gather together for worship, despite the opposition they encounter from disagreeing local officials.
Pray that these believers will receive the Lord's wisdom, direction and favour as they determine how to best navigate through the confusing and obstructive regulations in order to obtain permanent permits.
In the midst of the political challenges, and opposition from community members, may Christians throughout this Southeast Asian country serve as examples of God's love and saving grace to their neighbours, so many more names may be added to the Lamb's "Book of Life."
INDIA
Source: VOMC
This year started and ended with reports about Christians who were detained in the state of Uttar Pradesh due to its anti-conversion legislation. This is one of the 12 Indian states that has laws regulating religious conversions, with increasing political pressure being placed on the country's government to enact the legislation nationally. While regulations protecting people from religious conversions by force or deception may be beneficial, the regulations are often misused by individuals and officials as a way of stopping any religious activity they personally oppose.
On January 2nd, accusations of coercion led to a violent confrontation at a Catholic church in Chahattisgarh. Significant damage was made to the church building, and several police officers were injured while attempting to intervene. Christians have also been accused when conducting small gatherings in their homes. In early June, a group of militants disrupted a family gathering, resulting in the arrests of five Christians. Thankfully, those who had been arrested were eventually released on bail.
In a positive development, following elections that took place in the state of Karnataka this past May, action has begun to repeal the state's anti-conversion laws. This move has been strongly opposed by the BJP – a political party with strong Hindu-nationalist leanings. Even so, a recently made court ruling in the state of Uttar Pradesh may help to further mitigate the effects of the state's future laws. The judge ruled that "accusations of alluring people to convert" can only be filed by the person being allegedly targeted or by a family member of that person. He also provided some legal guidelines on what constitutes "allurement."
For more details about this court ruling, go to this page.
Known as the most populous nation in the world, India is officially a secular country guided by a constitution that guarantees religious freedom. However, the process of ensuring that this freedom is respected has proven to be a difficult task in a country where there is strong pressure to establish India officially as a Hindu nation.
For more reports on India, and/or to view podcasts addressing Christian persecution in this country, go to our country report.
Prayerfully uphold the many Christians in India who are facing serious threats to their freedoms, securities and safeties because of their faith in Christ. May believers throughout this nation receive the spiritual strength required to stand firm in the midst of extreme opposition and brightly shine His light in the darkness.
Please also remember the ongoing ministry work of those who are boldly reaching out to others with the "Good News" of Jesus. May any further threats from their opponents not stop the proclamation of the Gospel, but rather serve as the catalyst for leading many more to faith in the "Prince of Peace."
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
MINI DOCUMENTARY | The True Story of a Courageous Pastor in India
Pray for pastor "Samuel" in the "Chandrapur" region.
Pray for pastors in southern India who minister to the Banjara tribe.
Pray for Christian organizations, as many are being shut down by new government regulations.
Pray for those experiencing increased persecution from Hindu extremists.
Pray for the 150 new churches planted in unreached areas.
Pray that God will touch the hearts of government officials trying to stop evangelical work.
Pray for Pastor Maruti, in Belagavi, who ministers to temple prostitutes and their children.
Pray for the Bible training held for pastors experiencing persecution.
Friday, December 22, 2023
Christmas Opposition
Source: VOMC
December 25th is a national holiday for all citizens in Pakistan – not as a Christmas celebration, but rather as a means of honouring the birthday of the nation's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. And although Christian workers are entitled to an optional day off on the 26th, they must declare their desire to take it – a request their employers will often refuse to grant.
Even so, some Christians in Pakistan have incorporated the season's festive traditions, such as decorating trees with festive lights, as part of their Christmas celebrations. However, these believers may experience increased hostility if their disapproving neighbours object to the use of such 'symbols of Christianity.' As a result, the decorations may be forcibly removed by community members who do not welcome them.
Unfortunately, not all opposition is expressed in minor malicious acts of disapproval or simply the denial to take time off work. In 2017, a Sunday school Christmas program in the Baluchistan province of Pakistan was fatally attacked. Even though security guards thankfully prevented the suicide bombers from entering the building, and thus causing many more casualties, at least nine Christians were killed in the ensuing blast (see this report).
Just recently, on December 3rd of this year, four people were tragically killed while attending an advent service at a university in Marawi, Philippines. Many others sustained injuries as a result of the bombing attack, most of them students at the university. ISIS terrorists have since claimed responsibility for "detonating an explosive device on a large gathering of Christian 'disbelievers.'"
The attack brought reminders of a previous bombing incident that took place in the Philippines on Christmas Day during the year of 2010; an attack that wounded 11 people. While the population of the Philippines is predominantly Christian, the citizens residing in the province of Lanao del Sur (where the most recent attack occurred) are primarily Muslim. Rebels fighting for the establishment of an Islamic state are typically the perpetrators of persecution against professing followers of Jesus.
Christmas Giving
Source: VOMC
Giving to the less fortunate during the Christmas season is a common tradition practised by many here in our own country. Heart-warming turkey dinners with all the trimmings are served to the homeless, and caregiving hampers are compassionately distributed among households in need. This spirit of generous giving has been adopted by many Christian communities in South Korea. Yet, for North Korean defectors who have managed to escape their oppressive homeland, the offering of material items at Christmastime without any meaningful sense of relationship can create added challenges.
Though Christianity was historically part of the culture in northern Korea, when the Communist regime seized power under the leadership of Kim Il Sung – and then continued under his son and grandson – its practice was banned and so were any vestiges of the country's former Christian traditions. If today's North Koreans know anything about Christmas, it is through foreign movies.
Most South Korean Christians and churches do not know North Korean settlers personally. Some want to help but are not sure how to do so effectively. Dr. Eric Foley from Voice of the Martyrs Korea says that churches in South Korea only know how to interact with North Korean defectors from a position of material giving. He explains that the main need of North Koreans who are now residing in South Korea is not material aid but the formation of genuine relationships with South Korean people. The lack of those relationships, coupled with the North Korean defectors' inability to help their struggling relatives back in North Korea, have led to alarmingly high suicide rates among the settlers.
In a demonstration of cultural understanding, Dr. Foley and other believers have been visiting North Korean settlers unannounced. While this custom may seem rude to Westerners, among Koreans it is considered a compliment; a demonstration that the host is known to be welcoming and hospitable. In this way, Christmas has become a time for giving by allowing North Korean settlers the opportunity of experiencing the joy of sharing and interacting with others meaningfully. "That's Christmas to us [in Korea]," Dr. Foley adds. "It's not just about giving, but also receiving. Because that is what Jesus did.... He came to earth, and received the hospitality of those to whom He came" – those whose hearts willingly welcomed Him as their Saviour and Lord!
Christmas Reflection
Source: VOMC
According to the Christmas accounts recorded in the Scriptures, the news of Jesus' birth resulted in an uprising of violence against God's people during that historical era. In an effort to prevent the sovereign reign of the "King of kings" here on earth, wicked King Herod ordered the death of many innocent children. After being forced to flee for their lives, Joseph and Mary – along with their infant child Jesus – became refugees in a foreign land. And although the message of the angels was that of peace and goodwill, from the time of Jesus' birth to this present day, God's gift of spiritual peace has come at a cost for many around the world.
"In this world of trouble, may the message of
Christ fill your soul with hope, peace, and anticipation
for that great and glorious day of His return!"
~ Floyd A. Brobbel, Chief Executive Officer
for The Voice of the Martyrs Canada
Until that day, when the anticipated "Prince of Peace" triumphantly returns, Christians here in Canada are urged to continue prayerfully upholding our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world, especially those who suffer threats to their freedoms, securities and safeties because of their faith in Christ. Since targeted violence against persecuted followers of Jesus tends to increase during the Christmas season, please pray for the protection of those who may be at risk as they gather to remember the birth of our "Promised Messiah" – in celebration of the eternal promises and spiritual blessings He alone can provide to all who willingly receive Him.
News Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Church in Chains, BBC, CNN, Voice of the Martyrs Korea, Christianity Today
Thursday, December 14, 2023
INDIA: 42 Christians Questioned, Resulting in Several Being Charged
Source: VOMC
Sources: Release International, OpIndia, Indian Express, Outlook India
Police in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh detained 42 Christians and formally charged nine of them after receiving a complaint about an alleged "Christian conversion racket." The accusations outlined tactics purported to be used by the believers in leading members of the state’s impoverished and tribal communities to convert to Christianity.
Based on the complaint, police brought the detained Christians in for questioning. Of these 42 believers, 27 of them were reported to be pastors. Officials also confiscated large quantities of religious literature – along with laptops, cell phones, audio recordings and more. Following the interrogations, nine of the detained believers have been charged under the state’s anti-conversion law. While this legislation is intended to prevent conversion by force or deception, in reality, it outlaws Christians from sharing the hope of the Gospel to spiritually seeking community members.
Since the anti-conversion legislation was passed three years ago, nearly 400 followers of Jesus have been arrested in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Most of the arrested believers are Protestant pastors and church members. Currently, India’s anti-conversion laws have been enacted in 12 of the country's 28 states, and there is pressure to introduce a similar law on a national level.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, and/or to read previously published reports relating to this country, go to our country report.
Prayerfully uphold our Christian brothers and sisters in India who have been arrested for sharing their faith.
Pray that the governing laws of Uttar Pradesh and other Indian states would be used in ways that also recognize and support the constitutional rights of the country’s minority groups, so freedom of expression and religion may be experienced by all citizens.
In the interim, pray that despite the threat of opposition and false charges, Christians throughout the nation will continue reaching out to those around them with the compassion of Christ, in keeping with the centrality of the Gospel message.
SUDAN: Humanitarian Aid Denied to Muslim-Background Believers
Source: VOMC
Source: Mission Network News
Now in its eighth month, Sudan's civil war has displaced over six million people, many of whom were forced to take refuge in camps where food and other basic resources are scarce. Some humanitarian assistance has been provided to the country, which is then distributed through smaller local aid groups. According to a Christian ministry worker in the region, this aid has been denied to some displaced followers of Jesus.
The ministry worker reports that when local aid distributors – who are typically Islamic – realize someone has come to faith in Christ after leaving Islam, they refuse to give them food, even though the rations have been supplied by the United Nations and other international organizations to help all who are being severely affected by the war. Some of the Muslim distributors believe it is their duty to withhold any means of compassion towards those who have left Islam.
To overcome this problem, Christian ministries are endeavouring to provide practical relief to believers in areas where the humanitarian aid is being denied. However, the need is enormous and the resources extremely limited.
For additional reports on the persecution of our suffering Christian brothers and sisters in Sudan, go to our country report.
Please uphold the war-torn nation of Sudan in your prayers, and its many displaced people, asking the Lord to minister His peace and provision in this deeply divided part of the world.
Pray for the ongoing efforts of humanitarian organizations to help all citizens in need, and that these necessary provisions will also be fairly distributed to our suffering family in Christ.
May those opposing the displaced Christians – and trying to prevent them from receiving greatly needed humanitarian aid – come to personally experience God's transforming love and forgiveness, which are available to all through Christ's redemptive work on the cross.
CHINA: Further Repercussions Follow Church Raid
Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Early Rain Covenant Church
Over five years ago, the Early Rain Covenant Church in China was raided, leading to multiple arrests. In the years that have followed, the Chinese Communist Party has made a concerted effort to harass the members of this Christian community in an attempt to completely shut down the church.
To read previously published reports on the persecution of these believers, go to our list of reports about the Early Rain Covenant Church.
More recently, on October 28th, the church held a graduation ceremony in a hotel conference room for the students of a small Bible college it operates. However, upon being declared an "illegal" gathering, the event was also raided by the authorities.
(Further details on this incident are available here.)
During the raid, a church deacon named Jia Xuewei suffered a broken rib from being beaten by a national security agent. Even though the Christian leader has filed a complaint against his assailant, the intimidation and persecution committed by Communist officials have continued. Due to the pressure officials have placed on his landlord, Jia was forced to move out of his home. At least two other church leaders have faced similar circumstances, for their lease agreements were likewise terminated. In a separate incident, Preacher Ding Shuqi’s family had their water supply cut off in the officials’ attempt to force them to leave their home.
On December 9th, which is the anniversary date of the initial raid that took place five years ago, Chengdu authorities deployed numerous tactics to keep church members from participating in online activities, including warnings by telephone or in person, stalking, power outages and forcible detentions. Several of the church’s leaders were also detained for interrogation. While some were released later that night, Jia Xuewei has been forced to remain in "administrative detention" until December 22nd. Additionally, Preacher Dai Zhichao, who was arrested on suspicion of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble," is currently being held in the Chengdu Detention Centre.
Please prayerfully remember each of these detained church leaders, asking the Lord to sustain them in the midst of this trying situation by increasing their strength, love and patient endurance.
Continue to pray for the other members of the Early Rain Covenant Church, including those who have been displaced from their homes, as they face repeated intimidation and harassment from the authorities.
May these believers receive greatly needed wisdom, guidance and peace as they faithfully endeavour to continue their ministry activities despite the government’s unrelenting opposition.
Thursday, December 7, 2023
SRI LANKA: Pastor Arrested for Controversial Remarks
Source: VOMC
Sources: NCEASL, Daily Mirror, Newswire, Colombo Gazette, UCA News
Pastor Jerome Fernando is the leader of the Glorious Church in Katunayake, Sri Lanka. Along with his regular church ministry role, he also holds evangelistic meetings in various areas of the world. As a prominent religious leader, his messages are heard by many online, as well as by those attending his speaking engagements in person.
In a message he presented this past May, Pastor Jerome spoke about the differences between Christianity and religions that are prevalent in Sri Lanka. After hearing his message, critics claim that he insulted Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism. Various Buddhist groups called on police authorities to press charges, accusing him of inciting hatred among religious groups in contravention of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.
Following the posting of his controversial message, Pastor Jerome left the country on May 15th to minister in Singapore, and then later travelled to the United Kingdom. During his travels, he issued an apology via live video streaming on May 21st for any misunderstanding or hurt his comments may have caused. Despite the apology, the case against him proceeded. When Pastor Jerome returned to the country on December 1st, he was arrested by governing authorities. Prosecutors claim that there is adequate evidence to prove that the preacher was "inciting hatred" through his sermons.
In response to Pastor Jerome's arrest, the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) issued a press release that included the following statement: "His arrest underscores concerns regarding the increasing intolerance towards freedom of expression and the continued use of Section 3(1) of the ICCPR Act...to stifle free expression in the country.... We believe that fostering an environment where individuals can express their views without fear of reprisal is crucial for a healthy and robust democracy."
Although Sri Lanka is a democratic nation, there are ethnic and religious struggles between the predominantly Buddhist Sinhalese population and the mainly Hindu Tamils. Pressure from members of these prominent religious groups have frequently caused problems for churches in communities throughout the country.
For more information, and/or to read previously published reports on Christian persecution in Sri Lanka, go to our country report.
As these charges are being deliberated by court officials, pray for God's divine intervention in Pastor Jerome's case.
May the judge rightfully respect the Christian leader's freedom of expression and, as a result, consider Pastor Jerome innocent.
Pray that the Lord will also provide guidance, wisdom and strength to Christians representing other churches throughout Sri Lanka as they endeavour to share the Good News of God's love with community members who have yet to receive Jesus as their Saviour.
CHINA: Preacher Charged with "Picking Quarrels"
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
Chang Hao is a house church preacher in Zhenxiong, Yunnan Province. Because of his Christian faith, as well as his frequent advocacy for social justice issues, he has been interrogated by police several times. On the evening of April 14th, Chang was taken into custody by the Public Security Bureau. The believer's Bible was also confiscated by authorities, along with various other items.
For more than four months, no information had been made available regarding Chang's welfare, and his lawyer was prohibited from meeting with him. When the concerned legal representative was finally able to connect with the detained house church leader, he discovered that Chang was suffering from significant health issues, such as elevated blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. Further compounding these challenges is the fact that Chang happens to be nearsighted and struggles with an additional physical disability, yet he has not been allowed to wear eyeglasses while in custody. His wife, Yao Fazhen, who is also in poor health, has been advised by doctors that she receive medical treatment as soon as possible.
On November 28th, it was announced that formal charges have been laid against the preacher for apparently "picking quarrels and provoking trouble." The procuratorate accused him of repeatedly spreading false information and inappropriate remarks on the Internet. His case has been submitted to the Zhenxiong County People's Court for prosecution.
Chang Hao is one of the many Christians being currently incarcerated in China because of their faith in Jesus.
For more details, and to review other reports on persecution in this Communist nation, go to our country report.
Prayerfully ask the Lord to help Preacher Chang by renewing his strength and advocating judicially on his behalf, in hopes of a miraculous release from custody.
May this faithful servant and his wife, Yao, receive greatly needed healing, peace and comfort during their difficult time of separation.
Please continue to remember the many other believers in China who are presently being detained because of their faith and ministry, as well as those throughout the country who continue to courageously gather together for worship despite the dangers.
ALGERIA: Church Leader Loses Appeal
Source: VOMC
Source: Middle East Concern
Pastor Youssef Ourahmane is a senior pastor who oversees a number of churches and Bible schools in Algeria, in addition to serving as the vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA) – an association composed of more than 45 Protestant churches.
After holding a small gathering with a few Christian families in March, Pastor Youssef was charged by governing officials for organizing an unauthorized religious assembly. Without notice, he was tried and convicted in absentia, receiving a sentence of two years in prison, along with a fine of 100,000 dinars (approximately $1,000 CAD).
For more details, see this previously posted report.
Subsequently, the pastor's conviction was appealed, and the hearing for this took place on November 19th. Although the verdict, which was announced on November 27th, ruled to uphold the church leader's conviction, the judge presiding over his case reduced the prison sentence to one year. Pastor Youssef now intends to appeal this latest verdict to a higher court.
The EPA has faced an escalating campaign of harassment to the point where only a few of the churches remain open. There are at least ten ongoing court cases against Christians presently in process at the time of publishing this report.
For further information on the persecution of believers in this North African nation, go to our country report.
Pray that justice will be upheld in Pastor Youssef's case, and that he will be able to resume his ministry work without any further interference from Algeria's governing officials.
Also prayerfully uphold our other persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in this North African nation – including those who are likewise facing the threat of prosecution – asking God to provide them encouragement, strength and guidance.
Even during this time of uncertainty, may these faithful followers of Jesus seize every divinely orchestrated opportunity presented to them by demonstrating the love of Christ and sharing His wonderful plan of eternal salvation.
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Bangladesh: Christian boy sent home from school amid increasing pressure on converts
Source: Open Doors
 |
| Jahangir, 4, holds up his Bible - his teacher told his parents he was sent home because he comes from a Christian family |
The next day, when they confronted his teacher, she said bluntly: “If the boy comes to the school and sits with other Muslim boys, then the Muslim boys might leave the school. They will not want to sit on the same bench with a Christian boy during classes.” She’d asked Jahangir to go home because she knew his parents had converted to Christianity.
Christian children becoming withdrawn
Sadly, this is becoming a more common reality for many young Christians in Bangladesh – especially children in converted families. And it’s taking a toll on their physical and emotional health. The mistreatment and bullying they experience from their teachers and peers mean that many of them hide their faith and have trouble mingling with other children. They also lose interest in their studies and become withdrawn. Parents struggle to know what to do without much support or awareness on how to deal with the problem.
Pressures on converts increases
In October, a religious fundamentalist posted the personal information of 24 Christians on Facebook with provocative comments to protest their conversions. The post included believers’ names, family information, contact numbers, and baptism dates.
The social media post read: “I am fortunate to be born in a Muslim family, I am proud to be the follower of the world leader Rasul Kareem, the Holy Quran is my education and knowledge, which is my pride. I will fight if necessary to protect the religion of peace, Islam. But I will not allow […] religious conversion… I demand these Christians’ exemplary punishment. I expect strong protest from every Muslim.”
Immediately, the post went viral and stirred up anger in local non-Christians; Christians have been in a state of panic since the incident. They fear more persecution and attacks, especially when they go out as part of their daily routine.
Tensions are ongoing, says church pastor
“The news spread very quickly, and since this incident, I am afraid to go out freely,” says Pastor Parvin, a Christian convert. “The other believers have limited their movements outside. Some of the believers have been stopped from going out of their homes by their non-believing family members.”
Of the 24 affected people, 18 are members of Pastor Parvin’s church. He took this matter to the local police and, thankfully, was able to have the post taken down from Facebook.
But the anger of non-Christians, as well as the fear of Christians, has yet to die down; there is still palpable tension between both parties. Open Doors local partners are praying for this situation and looking into the needs of affected believers to find ways to best support them.
PLEASE PRAY
For Jahangir and his family, that he will be able to flourish at school and that he will be rooted and established in God’s love (Ephesians 3:17)
For Pastor Parvin and all believers affected by the Facebook post, that God will protect them and strengthen them
That Open Doors partners will be given wisdom and provision to support Bangladeshi believers in all situations of persecution.
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