VIETNAM: Christian Leader Extradited Despite Global Appeals

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Amnesty International, ABC News

Y Quynh Bdap and his wife. Photo: VOMC Source

Y Quynh Bdap, a Christian activist and co-founder of Montagnards Stand for Justice, has long advocated for the rights of his people. As a Christian from a minority tribal group, Bdap (his given name) faced significant persecution in Vietnam. He fled the country in 2018, settling in Thailand where he sought protection as a refugee.

In June 2024, Bdap was detained by Thai authorities who claimed that he had overstayed his visa. The Vietnamese government requested his extradition, alleging that he had been convicted on terrorism charges and sentenced in absentia to 10 years' imprisonment. These charges stem from a series of protests in Vietnam during 2023, including one that resulted in the bombing of a government building. However, Bdap was outside of the country during those events and denies any involvement.

For more than a year, human rights organizations have fought to prevent the Christian man's extradition, calling for his release from detention. Vietnam has a well-documented pattern of discrimination against Montagnards – and particularly Christians – through arbitrary arrests, torture and severe restrictions on their religious freedoms.

In the fall of 2024, a Thai court ordered that Bdap be extradited to Vietnam. Although this decision was appealed, the Court of Appeals ruled on November 26th of this year to uphold the verdict. Two days later, the Christian leader was handed over to Vietnamese authorities. He now faces an unknown future in a country where followers of Jesus continue to endure harassment and mistreatment.
For additional reports addressing the persecution of Christians in Vietnam, go to our country profile.

• Please pray for God's protection, strength and intervention on behalf of our extradited Christian brother as he now faces imprisonment in Vietnam.
• Also remember the many other believers in this Southeast Asian country who are suffering various forms of mistreatment for their faith, praying that God will likewise grant them courage, hope and unity in Christ despite the severe restrictions.
• Pray that the international community will continue to place pressure on the Vietnamese government, leading to justice and improved conditions – not only for Bdap, but also on behalf of the numerous other persecuted members of our Christian family who reside in that part of the world.

PAKISTAN: Missing Christian Woman Suspiciously Married

Source: VOMC
Sources: Pakistan Christian Post, Morning Star News

On November 17th, 21-year-old Monica Jennifer disappeared from her home in Rawalpindi, Punjab Province. Several days later, relatives of the resurfaced young Christian woman were heartbroken and fearful when she informed them of her sudden conversion to Islam and recent marriage to her Muslim neighbour.

Monica's relatives are convinced that she was coerced into abandoning her family and Christian faith. "She was a spirit-filled Christian girl, devoted to her faith," claims her brother, Raza Arif, who suspects that threats and blackmail were involved. The family of her alleged husband has warned the Christians to stop pursuing the case, threatening to accuse them of blasphemy if they challenged the validity of the marriage.

The kidnappings, forced conversions and coerced marriages of young Christian women and girls remain a significant problem in Pakistan. Although laws have been passed in efforts to curtail the practice, authorities are often hesitant to apply them. To review other reports concerning the persecution of our Pakistani sisters in Christ, go to our country profile.

• Ask the Lord to divinely intervene in this situation, providing Monica and her concerned family greatly needed protection, comfort and help as they seek His wisdom and guidance.
• May truth and justice prevail in this case, as well as those involving other Christian women and girls, resulting in the healing and restoration of many heartbroken families.
• Furthermore, pray that Pakistani authorities will courageously and more strictly enforce laws against coercive conversions – not only providing greater legal recourse and measures of protection for the victims, but ultimately preventing such crimes from occurring in the future.

LIBERIA: Charges Against Pastor Dismissed

Source: VOMC Contact

In late October, Pastor Sylvester was detained by police after Muslim community members claimed that he was unlawfully praying and worshipping. A Christian lawyer was hired to assist with the case, but concerns were raised about the health of the pastor and his family due to a lack of food and other necessities.
(A previously published report providing more information on this pastor's case is available here.)

With thanksgiving, we are pleased to report that Pastor Sylvester was released while awaiting trial. Following the recent hearing of his case in late November, all charges against him have been dropped. The Christian leader is now free to resume his ministry activities, despite ongoing opposition from local community members.

• Praise God for the release of this dedicated pastor!
• Pray that Pastor Sylvester will receive the Lord's wisdom, strength and protection as he endeavours to faithfully minister to the spiritually needy members of his community in the midst of opposition.
• May the light of the Gospel powerfully shine through his life and Christian witness, drawing many more Liberians to faith in Christ.

CHINA: 18 Church Leaders Formally Arrested

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Church in Chains, Reuters

Pastor Jin Mingri (second from right). Photo: ChinaAid

In October, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities began a coordinated campaign against the Beijing Zion Church and its various campuses, detaining dozens of Christian leaders.
(For more details, see our previously published report.)

On November 18th, the Beihai Municipal People's Procuratorate approved the formal arrests of 18 pastors and church staff members, charging them with "illegally using information networks." If convicted, the believers could face up to three years in prison. These formal arrests initiate criminal investigations that will eventually lead to the trial of each apprehended church leader – a process that could take more than a year.

Dr. Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid, describes the recent arrests as "a shocking milestone in the CCP's full-scale war against Christianity in China." Zion Church is one of the largest networks of unregistered churches in the country, with approximately 5,000 members spanning across more than 40 cities. In addition, an estimated 10,000 Christians view the services online. Jin Mingri, the church's founder and senior pastor, happens to be among those arrested.

• Please prayerfully uphold the lawyers representing these Christian leaders, asking God to give each one of them wisdom, guidance, courage and clarity throughout the court processes.
• As a result, may all the charges against the accused pastors and other church leaders be dropped, allowing them to freely resume their ministry activities.
• In general, pray for the ongoing ministry of all churches in China – asking that, despite the intense governmental opposition, the message of the Gospel will continue to spread exponentially throughout the country so that multitudes more will experience the life-transforming love of Christ.