NEPAL: Christians Harassed for Sharing Their Faith

Source: VOMC Contacts

A church steeple in Nepal. Photo: Wikipedia / Ramesh Thapa Magar (CC)

While three Christians, including Pastor Dipak Shrestha, were sharing their faith on March 23rd in the remote village of Banjara, Madhesh Province, they were confronted by members of the militant Hindu group, Bajarangi Dal. The aggressors physically assaulted the evangelists before reporting them to the police.

The believers were detained by local authorities and brought before the district court later that day. Although there was no evidence of any criminal activity, police requested additional time to investigate the situation. Meanwhile, all three men presently remain under legal scrutiny. This situation raises continued concerns about biases within the country's police enforcement and judicial system, particularly in light of Nepal's anti-conversion laws.
To review previously published reports, visit our country profile.

• Please prayerfully intercede for these detained evangelists and their families, asking God to sustain them in every way during this difficult time of scrutinous investigation.
• May the hearts of the accusers and authorities be softened, leading to the withdrawal of any potential charges against the accused.
• Pray that Nepal's governing officials, attorneys and judges will exercise wisdom, fairness and courage so they can rightfully uphold justice – not only for the mentioned evangelists involved in this case, but also for other Christian leaders in this South Asian country who are called by God to share the 'Good News of the Gospel.'

OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Pastor Faces Expulsion From His Country

Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18

Pastor Vladimir Rytikov Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum18

Pastor Vladimir Rytikov has lived his entire life in a region of Ukraine that is now occupied by Russian forces. Born in the city of Krasnodon (located in the Luhansk district) during 1959, he grew up in the area as a committed follower of Christ. From the years of 1979 to 1982, which encompasses the era of the former USSR, he was imprisoned because of his faith. Since becoming ordained for ministry in 1995, the Christian leader has faithfully pastored an unregistered church within his home city for more than 30 years.

Pastor Vladimir was recently informed that his residence permit has been annulled, requiring him to leave what Russian authorities now consider their territory. On March 23rd, officials from Migration Services issued an order giving him 15 days to depart or face deportation. No explanation was provided for this decision. However, the notice came just 10 days after police filed a complaint against his church, accusing the congregation members of "illegal missionary activity." Pastor Vladimir is convinced that this deportation order is directly related to his pastoral ministry.

Although the Christian leader has been ordered to leave, his wife Lyudmila was granted permission to remain. Upon asking the officials where he was expected to go – given that this region is the only home Pastor Vladimir has ever known – they reportedly replied, "Maybe to Poland." After praying together, the couple has decided that the pastor will stay as long as he is able.

Churches in areas of Ukraine overtaken by Russia continue to face significant hardships, as occupying authorities impose restrictions on any congregation that is not in alignment with the Russian Orthodox Church. For further reports, see this page.

• Pray that the presence of God would be tangibly sensed by Pastor Vladimir and Lyudmila in the midst of the oppression and upheaval, granting them encouragement, strength and peace.
• In addition to experiencing the Lord's comforting nearness, may their every decision and response be sovereignly guided by His Holy Spirit.
• Also remember to uphold the congregation members of this targeted church, along with those located in other areas of Russian-occupied Ukraine, asking that these believers will likewise be strengthened in their faith and encouraged to persevere amid the uncertainty and political pressure.
• May God's peace reign within the hearts of His people in this war-torn nation as they worship together and celebrate our Risen Saviour.

CANADA: Faith and Public Life in Light of Bill C-9

Source: VOMC
Source: Cardus

Canada's Parliament Buildings Photo: RawPixel

On March 25th, after months of committee proceedings and deliberations in the House of Commons, Canada's governing Liberal Party has forced an end to the debate – resulting in the passage of the controversial Bill C-9. The legislation has now moved to the Senate for further consideration.

The proposed bill seeks to amend the Canadian Criminal Code in areas related to propaganda and hate speech. Many religious groups have raised concerns about the removal of a clause that previously provided protection for individuals who – in good faith – expressed opinions based on religious texts.

The bill has resulted in wide-spread public reactions, with many critics claiming that the legislation "criminalizes the reading of Scripture." However, Ray Pennings from the Christian think-tank organization, Cardus, describes this as an "inaccurate description." While acknowledging the flaws in the legislation, he points to a deeper and broader issue: a growing expectation that faith should be kept separate from public life.

A similar view forms the basis for Quebec's Bill 21 on state secularism, which is presently being challenged before the Supreme Court of Canada. However, rather than treating faith as a private matter that must be excluded from public life, Ray Pennings argues that "at its core, religious freedom is about identity and authenticity: the freedom to live in accordance with who we truly are." From this perspective, faith naturally and necessarily informs public engagement.
For an in-depth and challenging discussion on these issues, visit this page.

• Pray for Canada's senators as they review Bill C-9 and seriously consider the expressed concerns and implications of the proposed legislation.
• In a spirit of humility, may these senators exercise wisdom and discernment, realizing that implementing this new legislation can consequently affect religious freedoms across the country.
• Also prayerfully uphold the Supreme Court justices as they carefully weigh the arguments relating to Quebec's Bill 21, recognizing the importance of safeguarding the nation's founding principles of faith among today's secular society.
• Ask the Lord to guide these judicial officials by heightening their awareness of His truth and the need to deeply respect freedom of conscience and belief.
• As Canadians, may we not take our freedoms for granted, but rather aim to steward them wisely – living out our faith with grace, courage and a heart to serve God – while diligently interceding for the protection of this great nation.