Thursday, December 26, 2024
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Muslim Family in Tennessee to Appear in Court for Alleged Assault of Christian Son
12/17/2024 United States (International Christian Concern) — A year ago this month, authorities arrested members of a Muslim family in Nashville, Tennessee, for allegedly assaulting their teenage family member for his conversion to Christianity. Now, the three family members are scheduled to appear in court on charges of child abuse and aggravated child abuse.
The victim’s parents, Rawaa Khawaji and Nick Kadum, and brother, John Kadum, were detained by Tennessee police on Dec. 11, 2023, for reportedly spitting on and beating their family member. All three are set to appear in court for an arraignment hearing on Jan. 8, 2025.
When police arrived at the victim’s home, the boy had “lumps on his face” and “appeared to have been ‘cut haphazardly,’” Fox News reported at the time.
Khawaji, the victim’s mother, has been charged with aggravated child abuse, a felony, and child abuse for allegedly attacking and injuring the boy’s hand with a knife. Nick Kadum, the father, and John Kadum, the boy’s brother, have both been charged with child abuse for allegedly hitting the boy. The victim alleges that both his parents and brother punched him and “spat in his face.”
According to Fox17 in Nashville, the teenage victim, who worked at a local McDonald’s, allegedly confided in a co-worker, known only as Michelle, about abuse happening at home. Michelle raised the alarm over the treatment of the boy, and authorities conducted a welfare check as a result.
“I kind of adopted him in my heart,” Michelle said. “And I knew about this problem because he had come to me before and said, ‘My mom put a knife to my throat, and she said if I don’t deny Jesus, she will kill me.’”
Additionally, one of the victim’s neighbors, Paul Levine, alleged the boy also confided in him.
“He told me … he was threatened by his brother,” Levine said. “His brother was going to shoot him.”
The boy was reportedly removed from the family’s home and placed with a Christian foster family.
Pray that this boy will grow in faith in Jesus and that he will have a safe home and family to live with.
Pray for his parents and brother that they will repent and also give their lives to Jesus and that the family could be reunited with the boy.
2 House Church Pastors Shot in Vietnam’s Central Highlands
12/16/2024 Vietnam (International Christian Concern) — Reports have surfaced of two independent house pastors being shot in different parts of Vietnam’s Central Highlands in recent months.
Pastor Y Hung Ayun, 62, and Pastor Y Pho Eban, 57, are part of the Ede people group and lead house churches that are not registered with the Vietnamese communist government.
Leaders and members of unregistered house groups are often harassed and oppressed by local and central government officials, particularly because they are not part of the government-sanctioned Evangelical Church of Vietnam. Both pastors have stated they believe the attacks on them are because of their ongoing unregistered church activities.
Two masked men on a motorbike shot Pastor Ayun with rubber bullets. The bullets have caused severe swelling and damage to his legs. Ayun has previously spent nine years in prison for his religious activities. Since the shooting, police have monitored him closer, and he must now notify authorities if he leaves the area.
Pastor Eban was shot in the leg as he worked on his coffee plantation. The bullets caused serious wounds, leaving Eban unable to walk.
Pastor Eban’s case is even more tenuous because his unregistered church has about 200 members and because he is the father of Christian activist Y Quynh Bdap, who is currently facing extradition from Thailand. Several ministries and NGOs, including International Christian Concern, have reported on Bdap’s situation, especially as he is likely to face an unfair trial, torture, or even death if he is extradited to Vietnam.
Pray for Pastor Y Hung Ayun, that the severe swelling and damage to his legs will be healed, and Pastor Y Pho Eban, for his healing so he will be able to walk again.
Pray that Y Quynh Bdap will not be extradited from Thailand and that he will find freedom in Thailand or another friendly country.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
INDONESIA: Community Clashes Halt Christmas Activities
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Faharas News, The Christian Post, ECSPE
Much of the harassment encountered by followers of Jesus in Indonesia arises from local community members who are opposed to Christian activities. Two recent incidents of community opposition have affected churches in their preparations for this Christmas season.
On December 1st, a church choir in the village of Caile, which is located within South Celebes Province, was rehearsing for a Christmas service when a group of community members suddenly interrupted the meeting. The opposing Muslim villagers insisted that the church members obtain permission from community leaders in order to conduct the practice session. The head of the community association, a man known as Aples, told the members of the Catholic church that the gathering also had to be reported to the local government, further explaining that he was working as a mediator to "protect [his] Catholic friends."
According to one parishioner, the practice was taking place in a multipurpose building. Although the facility had originally been constructed for use as a place of worship, opposition from local Muslims has prevented church leaders from holding any services there. Instead, worship gatherings are taking place in a home outside the community, and the building is being used for other church activities.
In a separate incident on December 8th, Christians were prevented from attending a Christmas service at a pastor's house in Cibinong, West Java, when approximately 100 protestors blocked the believers from accessing the home. The community members claimed that the pastor was not authorized to hold the service in his residence.
According to Pastor Nicky Jefta Makaray, meeting in a private home does not require permission from the Indonesian government. Nevertheless, he had given prior notice to the neighbourhood association, the head of the residents' association, the local police, as well as the military. After tense discussions with the protestors, the pastor changed the location of the service to an open field. However, access was also blocked to that location, preventing the Christians from gathering together to celebrate Christmas.
For Christians in Indonesia and other nations around the world, Christmas is frequently a time of increased hostility from those who oppose the message of Christ.
Further information on the persecution of the church in Indonesia is available at our country report.
Pray that God will provide the members of these churches needed encouragement, comfort and guidance as they deal with the objections of their opposing neighbours.
Ask the Lord to also provide these believers wisdom as they mediate with community leaders who may likewise disapprove of their Christian beliefs.
May He honour the desire of these congregation members by making a way for them to gather peaceably together to worship Him – not only during this Christmas season but also throughout the new year and beyond….
SUDAN: Church Leaders Face Violence from Multiple Sides
Source: VOMC
Sources: ACI Africa, Catholic News Agency, Morning Star News
The bishop of the El-Obeid diocese in Sudan recently suffered a harrowing ordeal at the hands of both members of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and those of the opposing rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF). On December 1st, Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali reported that he was travelling with a deacon named Joseph. The ministry team had just arrived in El-Obeid when they were suddenly stopped and harassed by the SAF. The troops seized the small sum of money in U.S. dollars that the bishop was carrying, claiming that it was forbidden currency. During the robbery, the soldiers also physically harmed the two men.
Shortly after the December 1st incident, Bishop Tombe Trille and Deacon Joseph were accosted by RSF members who proceeded to severely beat the Christian leaders. The bishop believes that the rebels had intended to kill them, but one of the soldiers in the group eventually persuaded the others to stop the beating. When the assailants departed from the scene, the assaulted church leaders were left abandoned with serious head and neck injuries.
This is not the first time that Bishop Tombe Trille has been dangerously threatened. On April 20th, 2023, he and other members of the clergy narrowly escaped death when rockets hit the premises of his residence, destroying the main gate of the cathedral, as well as his home. Thankfully, no one was injured during that incident. Despite the threats against him, the bishop has been a vocal opponent of the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, publicly urging both sides to lay down their weapons. For more reports addressing the violence perpetrated against Christians in Sudan, go to our country profile.
Please pray for the complete healing of Bishop Tombe Trille, Deacon Joseph, and their fellow clergy members, as they recover physically and/or emotionally from the attacks perpetrated against them.
May these Christian leaders, and the many other believers in Sudan who are encountering harassment because of their faith, be divinely protected from any further threats against them.
All the while, may they sense the Lord's reassuring presence. In general, pray that there would finally be an end to the long-term civil war in Sudan, so that lasting peace and harmony can be established throughout this African nation.
KYRGYZSTAN: New Religion Law Passes First Reading
Source: VOMC
Source: Forum 18
While the Kyrgyzstan constitution guarantees freedom of religion, various laws imposing significant restrictions on religious gatherings have been passed over the years, as well those forbidding proselytism and the distribution of religious literature. Since the 2008 Religion Law came into effect, churches were required to register with the government and, in order to do so, they had to consist of more than 200 adult members. In the years following, further modifications have frequently been proposed. One such bill was introduced in October 2023, but the parliament rejected it on June 6th, 2024.
(Read more.)
Lawmakers have continued to attempt modifications which then resulted in further religious restrictions. The most recent draft bill passed its first reading on December 12th; however, several human rights organizations have since expressed concerns about the new legislation. One religious leader has referred to the bill as "a very dangerous law." For not only does the proposed legislation continue to ban all unregistered religious activities, this time the religious communities must have a minimum of 500 adult members in order to gain legal status. The proposed law further mandates that all places of worship are to be registered, and that an individual's freedom to publicly share their faith will be prohibited. Additionally, the new proposal requires religious communities to re-register every ten years.
Along with these specified restrictions, the State Commission for Religious Affairs (SCRA) would also be given wide-ranging powers to ban religious communities and seemingly arbitrary powers to reject registrations. Not only will communities have to obtain approval for any activities outside of their registered premises, but also all individuals must receive permission from the SCRA before conducting any "preaching activity." Fines for violating the restrictions would be sharply increased as well. If passed, the bill is scheduled to come into effect on February 1st, 2025.
The motives behind the increased restrictions are unclear. One human rights defender, who wishes to remain anonymous, stated: "Parliament is discussing the draft law in secrecy without publishing on its website the details of discussions and their results," adding that the lawmakers "seem to be in a rush, and this is alarming."
To learn more about the challenges experienced by Christians in Kyrgyzstan, go to our country report.
Pray that God will swiftly intervene in the current deliberation process, guiding the decisions of Kyrgyzstan's parliamentary officials by granting them divinely inspired wisdom and discernment.
As a result, may all unreasonable restrictions be rejected, enabling Christians the freedom to gather for worship and reach out to others in their communities – thus blessing Kyrgyz society as a whole.
While our brothers and sisters in Christ prayerfully await a favourable outcome, may they rest in the knowledge that since the Lord is their Victor, His great Kingdom purposes will ultimately prevail.
Thursday, December 12, 2024
IRAN: Twelve Christians Face Trial
Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Middle East Concern, Barnabas Fund
On November 26th, 12 Christian converts faced trial in Nowshahr, a northern Iranian city located along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. The believers were charged with "propagation of the religions that [conflict with] Islam" and "collaborating with foreign governments." In the indictment, the prosecutor stated that the 12 individuals had identified themselves as Christians. The indictment further explained that because the accused followers of Jesus had formed groups to teach Christianity, they were guilty of religious propagation.
These 12 believers had been among a group of more than 20 Christians who were previously detained by Ministry of Intelligence agents in Nowshahr and one of its neighbouring cities, Chalus, last Christmas. Although all 12 of these believers were later released on bail, three of them were rearrested in September and then detained for nearly two months before being freed on November 17th. While in custody, the three rearrested Christians – Jahangir Alikhani, Hamed Malamiri and Gholam Eshaghi – were subjected to torture and asked to write letters renouncing their faith in Jesus.
The same day that the three Christians were released, Javad Amini – another one of the 12 converts – was detained, along with two unnamed women. After posting bail, all three were released on November 27th, the day after the trial. The court session took place in Javad's absence and, at the time of publishing this report, no information has been released regarding the outcome of the trial.
For more details on the various challenges being encountered by Christians in Iran, visit our country profile.
Pray that God will intervene in the court case against these believers, working in the hearts of the country's officials so that justice would prevail.
Throughout the process, may the Lord minister to each one of these accused Christians, providing them the reassuring peace and confidence they need through His abiding presence.
On behalf of the many other followers of Jesus who are currently being imprisoned in Iran, pray that God's grace, strength and encouragement will also sustain them as they await their hopeful soon release.
In general, may the Gospel message continue to spread throughout this Middle Eastern country, leading multitudes more to faith in Christ.
PAKISTAN: Court Permits Believer's Christian Identity
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, VOM Australia
On November 16th, a district judge in Kasur, Punjab, overturned a ruling that had previously barred Sufyan Masih from reverting back to Christianity after allegedly converting to the Islamic faith. Sufyan's lawyer believes that the judge who presided over the initial court hearing had previously ruled against the Christian man due to a fear of receiving backlash from Muslim militants.
Sufyan worked as a labourer at a brick kiln owned by Asif Ali. According to the 24-year-old believer, Asif registered Sufyan as a Muslim under the name "Muhammad Sufyan" without his knowledge in an effort to enslave him. Being illiterate, Sufyan did not understand what had been written on his behalf, and thus placed his thumbprint on the form, which turned out to be a declaration of conversion to Islam.
Sufyan's lawyer, Sumera Shafique, believes the district judge's recent ruling will be helpful in other cases of forced religious conversions. She shares that many other Christians have faced similar issues, which are often perpetuated by illiteracy.
In the most recent episode of VOMC's Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman and his ministry colleague, Stephen Wesley, discuss their recent trip to Pakistan. While there, the team members visited a brickyard where they met enslaved Christians who are dealing with situations similar to what has recently been experienced by Sufyan.
To view this informative video, visit this page.
Praise God for this positive court ruling! Pray that Sufyan and other believers throughout Pakistan will be encouraged in their faith, and that more court officials will likewise rule with courage and justice – leading to equality for all Pakistani citizens.
May the country's governing leaders also ensure that believers throughout this nation (who are often treated as second-class citizens) will receive greater access to improved educational and career opportunities, as well as safety in their homes and workplaces.
As a result, may all enslaved Christians be able to break free from indentured slavery so they can contribute to their communities in ways that will be beneficial to all.
NIGERIA: Numerous Christians Killed in Benue State
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Truth Nigeria, TG News
During two separate attacks on November 24th and December 1st, Fulani herdsmen killed 48 Christians in the Nigerian state of Benue, which is considered the north-central part of the country. These attacks are just two recent examples of the horrific dangers believers must deal with in this West African nation.
On November 24th, 18 Christians, including women and children, were on their way to church services in Azege village when they were suddenly gunned down by armed attackers. On the following weekend, other villages in the areas of Logo and Katsina-Ala were also attacked. During the December 1st attack, the assailants fired sporadically, killing many innocent villagers, while others died from machete wounds. By the end of the massacre, which lasted for several hours, at least 30 community members had been slain, several others injured, and the crops and properties of many were burned.
Following the violence, a local pastor highlighted the terror felt by nearby residents: "The attackers are killing innocent people at will, destroying property, and inflicting grievous injuries. We couldn't sleep yesterday; many are in hospitals, and others are fleeing. The threat is overwhelming."
While ethnic and economic elements are often important factors behind the ongoing violence in Nigeria, militant Muslims frequently target Christians specifically because of their faith.
For additional reports on the suffering of Nigerian believers, visit our country profile.
Pray that the comforting presence of God's Holy Spirit will rest on all those who are now mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones as a result of these recent attacks.
Also prayerfully uphold the many other believers throughout this West African nation who've been affected by the violence perpetrated by those opposing their Christian faith, asking the Lord to provide His followers greatly needed protection, healing and restoration.
May He also grant wisdom and direction to the country's governing leaders as they strive to put an end to the ongoing brutality, so that lasting peace and stability can be achieved in this troubled nation.
Thursday, December 5, 2024
INDIA: Christians Banned from Eight Villages
Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, AsiaNews, Christian Post
On November 17th, the leaders of eight villages in Sukma, a district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, passed a joint resolution that prohibits Christians from staying in their communities. As a result of the decision, all Christian residents have been required to renounce their faith or leave. The order impacts around 100 believers, whose fields, properties and belongings were threatened with confiscation if they did not comply. One local chief who supported the decree claimed that the village council supersedes the Indian Constitution, thus negating any arguments about the believers' right to freedom of belief.
On the day after the ordinance was passed, some of the affected Christians went to the police station in Michwar. However, the officers refused to file a report about the situation. The believers then led the authorities to a field where a mob of at least 1,500 people were looting the Christians' crops. Despite witnessing the violent incident, the police refused to intervene.
After representatives from the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum approached the local authorities in Sukma, an official police report was finally filed. At last report, 40 Christian villagers from eight families have been forced to move due to the looting and are presently being housed within a church building in Michwar.
According to the United Christian Forum, there has been an increase in violence and discrimination against followers of Jesus in at least 23 of India's 28 states this year.
For further reports on the persecution of Christians in India, as well as other ways in which you can pray for our suffering South Asian family in Christ, go to our country profile.
Prayerfully uphold these recently displaced Christians, asking God to provide them needed protection, comfort and practical provisions as they cope with the loss of their homes, belongings and livelihoods.
May the state authorities intervene in this situation, ensuring that reparations are made for all losses and damages sustained during the mob attacks.
In general, pray that followers of Jesus throughout India will stand firm in their faith despite intense pressure, discrimination and oppression, enabling the ministry and witness of the church to continue impacting the lives of the spiritually needy in this troubled region of the world.
MYANMAR: Nine Killed in Church Bombing
Source: VOMC
Sources: Radio Free Asia, UCA News, Barnabas Aid
Kachin State in northern Myanmar has been an area of political and military unrest for decades, as government forces continue to fight against the Kachin Independence Army. Fighting intensified after the military junta seized power in 2021; and ever since the political takeover, Christians have frequently suffered the brunt of the violence.
In a recent incident, a church building in the village of Konlaw near the Chinese border was struck by a bomb on November 15th. The church was located next to a camp for displaced persons who had fled the fighting that was taking place in the region. During the bombing attack, nine people were killed, including six children who had been playing on the church property. In addition, 11 others were wounded, seven of whom remain in critical condition. In just one family, both parents were killed, along with their four children.
While much of the fighting in Myanmar is political in nature, religion plays a significant factor. The military regime is primarily controlled by the Buddhist majority, whereas the Kachin and Chin populations are predominantly Christian. As a result, churches have frequently been the targets of military strikes.
To review previously published reports addressing the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, go to our country profile.
Please intercede on behalf of the families and friends of those who were tragically killed in this recent bombing attack, asking God to provide them greatly needed comfort and strength.
Pray that His healing touch would also be upon each of the injured victims, resulting in their complete recovery – both physically and emotionally.
Overall, may the Lord further the ongoing ministry of Christians in Myanmar who are boldly reaching out to those around them with the Gospel message, so that multitudes in need of eternal salvation will experience His everlasting love, peace and hope.
MEXICO: Christians Displaced Again After Negotiating Agreement
Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Church in Chains
Members of the Great Commission Baptist Church in the Mexican villages of Coamila and Rancho Nuevo have frequently encountered opposition from community leaders for refusing to participate in festivals that go against their Christian beliefs. In March 2024, these difficulties came to a head when Pastor Rogelio Hernández Baltazar was arbitrarily detained, along with other church leaders, for 48 hours. Eventually, 151 believers were forced to leave their homes and find refuge in the nearby city of Huejutla de los Reyes.
In September, a new municipal government took office, leading to negotiations between the displaced Christians and leaders of both villages. This led to an agreement in which the believers would be allowed to return to their former villages, plus have the electrical and water services reconnected to their homes. In exchange, the Christians agreed to contribute financially to the communities' funds. Furthermore, it was decided that all criminal investigations relating to these incidents would be closed.
More details regarding the proposed agreement are available here.
While the displaced Christians were optimistic that they would be able to return to their homes, they quickly discovered that their village leaders were not prepared to abide by the terms of the agreement. The ostracized community members were informed that in addition to contributing towards the villages' funds, they would have to financially support the local Roman Catholic church – even though the Baptist congregants are already supporting the ministry of their own church. They are also forbidden to speak with other villagers about their evangelical beliefs.
Additionally, the village leaders placed a ban on all conversion activities, stating that the movements of those affiliated with the Baptist church would be strictly monitored to ensure they have no contact with other Christians beyond the mentioned communities. Finally, the evangelical Christians were notified that they would not be reinstated on their villages' rolls for a year, meaning they will no longer have access to healthcare, education, nor any other government benefits. When municipal and state authorities were made aware of the unjust situation, they were unwilling to take action to enforce the terms of the agreement.
Considering they are no longer welcome in their former home villages and would not be receiving any support from the authorities, the exiled Christians have been forced to move from Hidalgo State to the neighbouring state of Veracruz. There, in the village of Chalma, they were offered an opportunity to rent land that they could potentially purchase at a later time. At last report, these believers are living in tents while awaiting government aid.
Rancho Nuevo and Coamila are indigenous Nahuatl-speaking communities where religious practices frequently combine elements of Catholicism with pre-Hispanic Mayan beliefs. The resulting syncretistic religion frequently involves heavy alcohol consumption and the practice of many other non-Christian components. Evangelical Christianity is often viewed by residents of these communities as a foreign and unwelcome religion.
To read more reports on the persecution of evangelical believers in Mexico, and/or view informative videotaped documentaries, go to our country profile.
Prayerfully lift up these displaced believers as they seek to rebuild their lives in a new community, asking our Heavenly Father to divinely guide, protect and provide for each of their spiritual and practical needs.
Throughout the process, may they tangibly sense the Lord's peace amid all the turmoil and uncertainty, assuring them of His abiding presence and tender-loving care.
In the meanwhile, ask God to speak to the hearts of the opposing villagers in Coamila and Rancho Nuevo, in hopes that they too will eventually respond to the message of the Gospel by placing their faith in Jesus Christ.
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