3. The Persecution & Prayer Alert (February 4, 2009)

The Persecution & Prayer Alert
The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada
www.persecution.net
Wednesday, February 4, 2009

A weekly news digest on the Persecuted Church and how you can respond.

Tough times require tough faith. Find out more at www.persecution.net/newsletter.

Subscribe to the RSS feed at www.persecution.net/pnp.xml.
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In this week’s edition: reports from Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia, and VOMC
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1. Christian brothers jailed following police raid in Egypt

Six Egyptian brothers were sentenced to three years in prison with hard labour on January 22 after police attacked them for opening their cafe during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. According to a January 29 report from Compass Direct, the Ghatas brothers’ cafe in the city of Port Sa’id was attacked on September 8 by 13 police officers who overturned tables, broke chairs and dishes, and severely beat the brothers with sticks. When the Christians tried to protect their cafe, they were detained for allegedly resisting arrest and assaulting authorities. One of the brothers required 11 stitches in his head after the attack while another two suffered broken arms. At the January 22 trial, the defense showed a video that an onlooker recorded as evidence of police brutality but the judge was not swayed and ruled against the brothers. Local Christians believe religious discrimination is the true motive behind the conviction since it is not illegal for a cafe to be open during Ramadan even if many Muslims in the country observe the fast.

Pray for strength and endurance as these brothers face imprisonment. Ask God to support and encourage their families. Pray that suffering Christians in Egypt will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48).

Learn more about the plight of Christians in Egypt by visiting www.persecution.net/egypt.htm.
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2. Attacks on Christians throughout India

The Voice of the Martyrs received several reports of attacks on Christians in India in recent weeks.

At approximately 11:15 a.m. on January 22, Pastor T. T. Abraham (52) was distributing Bible tracts in Vaithiry, Kerala state when he was beaten and kicked by three Hindu militants. The assailants fled when they saw a rickshaw driving by. Pastor Abraham sustained injuries to his neck, stomach and back.

On January 24, approximately 500 Christians were attacked by Hindus when they attempted to return home by boat from Majuli Island in Assam state, where the believers had attended a priest’s consecration service. The Hindus hurled insults at the Christians, accused them of forcible conversion, and beat several people. The Christians fled in fear and did not return to the boat dock until later in the evening, when they were able to leave the island under police supervision.

On January 26, members of the Navjivan Fellowship Church were conducting a baptism in the city of Gangapur, Maharashtra state when a group of Hindu militants armed with cricket stumps, iron rods and sticks arrived. Shouting “Jai Shri Ram” (hail to Lord Ram), the militants beat those present, including women and children. They also damaged the car of one Christian. One believer was injured in the head and others sustained broken limbs.

Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray that those who accuse Christians of forcible conversion will be silenced. Ask God to enable Christians in India to grow in Christlikeness through their trials (James 1:2-4).

For more on Christians suffering for their faith in India, go to www.persecution.net/india.htm.
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3. Death threats lead Eritrean pastor to flee his home in Saudi Arabia

On January 28, a well-known Eritrean pastor, Yemane Gebriel, fled Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after being threatened with death multiple times, according to a January 30 report from Compass Direct. Pastor Gebriel, who has lived and worked in Saudi Arabia as a private driver for 25 years, found a note on his van on January 10 that stated he would be killed if he did not leave the country. Three days later, Saudi officials forced him from his van and threatened to kill him if he did not flee. Gebriel was again accosted in his van two days later, this time by four masked men who threatened him with death. At last report, Gebriel was residing in an undisclosed city in Saudi Arabia.

Pastor Gebriel previously came under fire for his faith in 2005, when religious police arrested him along with 16 other foreign Christian leaders. Due to diplomatic pressure, all of the believers were released within weeks.

Pray that Pastor Gebriel will not be overcome by fear but remain triumphant in faithfulness (Revelation 2:10). Pray for safety and wisdom for him as he serves the Lord.

For more information on persecution in Saudi Arabia, visit www.persecution.net/saudiarabia.htm.
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4. Ten men charged with raping nun in India

Indian police charged ten men on January 29 for the rape of a Catholic nun that occurred during anti-Christian violence that erupted in Orissa in August (see www.persecution.net/in-2008-08-27.htm). On August 25, a mob of Hindu militants attacked the prayer hall in the village of K. Nuagaon, Kandhamal district where Sister Meena (29) worked. She was grabbed by several men who tore off her clothes and held her down while one man raped her. Sister Meena was then paraded naked through the streets along with a priest. Although police were present, they did nothing to stop the assault. The ten have been charged with gang rape since assisting rape carries the same charge as actually committing the crime according to Indian law. At last report, the rapist had not yet been found.

Pray that authorities will bring to justice all who were involved in the attack. Pray that Sister Meena will look to God for strength as she recovers. Pray for a lasting peace in Orissa state.

Find out more about how Indian Christians suffer for Jesus’ sake at www.persecution.net/india.htm.
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5. Check out February’s edition of The Persecution Report

This month’s edition of VOMC’s monthly webcast, The Persecution Report, is now online at www.persecution.net. Find out what happens when a Muslim converts to Christianity in Afghanistan. Learn about Uyghur house church leaders who face intimidation and imprisonment in western China. Hear the story of Daniel, a man who has lived a risky life since leaving Islam for Christianity in Malaysia. There are also reports from Venezuela and India.

Do you have a website? Consider adding The Persecution Report as a way of raising a voice for the persecuted. For more information, go to www.persecution.net/weblinkshelp.htm or contact our webmaster at www.persecution.net/contact.htm today!
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6. From Behind the Wire: VOMC Persecuted Church Prayer Conferences

Don’t miss VOMC’s upcoming Persecuted Church Prayer Conferences in Mississauga, Ontario on March 28 and Edmonton, Alberta on April 4. This year’s conferences will focus on our brothers and sisters in North Korea. Hear the testimony of guest speaker Mr. Kim, a man who served in the North Korean military until he came to know Christ and escaped to China. Learn more about the work of The Voice of the Martyrs in Korea from VOMC co-workers, Eric Foley and Ahn Hyun Sook. Be blessed through the music and worship led by violinist Trevor Dick. VOMC CEO, Glenn Penner, and Greg Musselman will also report on how the mission is serving the Persecuted Church worldwide. For more information, please phone our office at 1.888.298.6423 or check out our conference brochure at www.persecution.net/download/2009confbroch.pdf.
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7. In this week’s VOMC weblog (www.persecution.net/weblog.htm)

Check out the latest posts by VOMC staff:

a) Read “Sri Lankan Buddhists shift targets” to learn why Sri Lankan Christians and other religious minorities may face increased opposition if the government solves its “Tamil problem.”

b) Glenn asks how the blog of a Saudi Christian can possibly be in violation of Blogger’s Terms of Service in “Why is Blogger blocking a Saudi weblog?”

c) The family of an imprisoned Chinese Christian expresses gratitude for the support and encouragement received from believers worldwide in “A letter of thanks.”

d) Learn about a British nurse who has been suspended from her job for offering to pray for an elderly patient in “Nurse on suspension for offering to pray.” Watch a video clip where she tells her story in “Video interview with Caroline Petrie.”

e) VOMC now offers downloadable videos that can be shared in church meetings, prayer groups, youth events, and the like. Learn more by checking out “Videos on the persecuted church available for download.”

To make comments on these and previous VOMC weblogs, go to persecutedchurch.blogspot.com.

2.The Persecution & Prayer Alert (January 28, 2009)

The Persecution & Prayer Alert
The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada
www.persecution.net
Wednesday, January 28, 2009

A weekly news digest on the Persecuted Church and how you can respond.

Tough times require tough faith. Find out more at www.persecution.net/newsletter.

Subscribe to the RSS feed at www.persecution.net/pnp.xml.
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In this week’s edition: reports from Eritrea, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with an update from Pakistan.
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This is your last chance to tell us what you think of The Persecution and Prayer Alert.  Our survey closes Friday night at 5 p.m. To take part in this special survey, go to www.persecution.net/survey.htm.
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1. Imprisoned Christians die following torture in Eritrea

Two Eritrean Christians died recently in the Mitire Military Confinement Centre after enduring torture for their faith, according to a January 21 report from Compass Direct. On January 16, Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom (42), a member of the Living God Church, succumbed to health complications caused by diabetes and mistreatment while in solitary confinement. Another believer, Mogos Hagos Kiflom (37), also died recently after undergoing torture for refusing to recant his faith. Kiflom, a member of Rhema Church, is survived by his wife, child and mother. These deaths bring to three the number of Eritrean Christians who have perished in prison at the hands of officials in the past four months.

Pray that those in mourning will find peace in knowing that those who suffered with Christ will be glorified with Him (Romans 8:15-17). Pray for the release of Christians imprisoned in Eritrea.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Eritrea, go to www.persecution.net/eritrea.htm.
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2. Christians arrested in Tehran, Iran

Three Christians were arrested in Iran’s capital city of Tehran on January 21, according to a January 23 report from Compass Direct. At approximately 7:00 a.m., officials apprehended Hamik Khachikian, an Armenian Christian, as well as Jamal Ghalishorani (49) and his wife, Nadereh Jamali, who are converts to Christianity from Islam. Books and computers were confiscated from the believers’ homes. At last report, the location of the three Christians and the charges placed against them had not been disclosed. According to local sources, pressure against Christians has increased in recent months, resulting in the detention of approximately 50 believers across the country.

Pray for the release of these Christians. Pray that they will come into a deeper relationship with Christ as they embrace the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:7-10). Ask God to strengthen and encourage their families during this difficult time.

Learn more about how Christians are persecuted in Iran by visiting www.persecution.net/iran.htm. The feature article in the February edition of VOMC’s monthly newsletter focuses on the persecution of Christians in Iran. Go to www.persecution.net/newsletter.htm to subscribe.
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3. Saudi Christian blogger arrested

On January 13, Saudi police arrested Hamoud Bin Saleh (28) and blocked access to his online blog, according to reports from The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information. Saleh had used his blog to express his opinion on religious issues and discuss his conversion from Islam to Christianity. Saleh was previously arrested for his faith in 2004 and imprisoned for nine months. He was also arrested and briefly detained in November 2008 and was released shortly before the Saudi-sponsored interfaith dialogue conference held November 12-13 at the UN Headquarters in New York. Sources believe officials released him to avoid tarnishing Saudi Arabia’s image of religious tolerance, as at the conference King Abdullah spoke out against mankind’s “preoccupation with differences between the followers of religions.” At last report, Saleh was detained in the Eleisha political prison in Riyadh, the nation’s capital.

Pray for the release of Saleh. Pray for strength and protection for him in prison. Ask God to enable him to grow in Christlikeness through the opposition he faces for his faith (James 1:2-4).

To learn more about those suffering for Christ in Saudi Arabia, go to www.persecution.net/saudiarabia.htm.
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4. Christian woman released on bail in Egypt

A Christian woman who was arrested along with her family at the Cairo International Airport in December was granted bail on January 24, according to a January 27 report from Compass Direct. When Zainab Said Abel-Aziz (24) — who goes by the Christian name of Martha Samuel Makkar — converted to Christianity from Islam in 2003, she and her husband endured serious threats and harassment from both Egyptian police and family members. Longing to flee these assaults, Martha obtained a passport issued in her Christian name and made plans to escape the country along with her family. However, authorities apprehended them as they were preparing to board a flight to Russia on December 13. Martha was charged with possessing forged documents and was taken to the El-Nozha police station along with her two children, ages two and four. Her husband, Fadl Thabet (32), was taken to the National Security Office in Alexandria, Somoha District for questioning and was later released on January 19. Officials handed the children over to the care of family friends before moving Martha to Al-Qanata prison where she was reportedly sexually assaulted by officials and mistreated by other inmates. After being granted bail, she was allowed to return home to her husband and children pending trial.

Pray that the charges brought against Martha will be dropped. Pray that this family will no longer be harassed for their faith in Jesus.  Pray that Christians in Egypt will put their hope in the Lord as the One who upholds their cause (Psalm 146).

For more information on how Christians suffer in Egypt, go to www.persecution.net/egypt.htm.
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5. Update: Christians acquitted of blasphemy charges in Pakistan

Five Pakistani Christians who were falsely accused of blasphemy in April 2007 (see www.persecution.net/pk-2007-04-11.htm) were recently acquitted of the charges, according to a January 23 report from Compass Direct. The district judge acquitted Salamat Masih (42), his son Rashid (16), and their three relatives on January 13 after the Muslim witnesses withdrew their testimony. The acquittal comes as a result of out of court meetings held between Muslim leaders and a representative of the Christian organization Sharing Life Ministries Pakistan. In these meetings, the Christian representative was able to convince the Muslim leaders that the alleged blasphemy claims grew from a misunderstanding, prompting the Muslims to issue a religious edict declaring the innocence of the believers.
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6. In this week’s VOMC weblog (www.persecution.net/weblog.htm)

Check out the latest posts by VOMC staff:

a) Glenn Penner encourages starting every day in God’s presence, remembering our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world in “Prayer is the place to start.”

b) Does Geert Wilders, a Dutch member of parliament who produced a film last year linking the Quran to violence, deserve criminal prosecution? Glenn discusses this in “Dutch film-maker to be tried for hate speech.”

c) Glenn reflects on the 10th anniversary of the death of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons in “Ten years later, we still remember.”

d) Glenn refutes the notion that religion is the root cause of the majority of violent conflict in the world in “Religious belief and war.”

e) Watch a video clip of Penn Jillette, an atheist comedian, magician, and filmmaker, recounting how someone recently gave him a Bible in “How much do you have to hate someone to not tell him about Christ?”

f) Erin Vandenberg discusses recent meetings held between Chinese officials and house church leaders in “Has the time for confrontation passed?”

To make comments on these and previous VOMC weblogs, go to persecutedchurch.blogspot.com.

1.The Persecution & Prayer Alert (January 21, 2009)

The Persecution & Prayer Alert
The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada
www.persecution.net
Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A weekly news digest on the Persecuted Church and how you can respond.

Tough times require tough faith. Find out more at www.persecution.net/newsletter.

Subscribe to the RSS feed at www.persecution.net/pnp.xml.
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In this week’s edition: reports from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, with updates from Sri Lanka and VOMC

Let us know what you think about The Persecution and Prayer Alert! Please take the time to fill out a brief online survey to help us to serve you better. Go to www.persecution.net/survey.htm.
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1. Pastor beaten in Andhra Pradesh, India

On January 16, Pastor Yakobu (37) was attacked by Hindu militants at his home in Gumpula village, Andhra Pradesh, India. At approximately midnight, Pastor Yakobu was home alone when he heard a knock on his door. When he answered, six men burst in, beat him, cut him with a knife and shaved his head. They also set fire to his clothes and books and shouted that they didn’t want any pastors in the village. The next morning, Pastor Yakobu and several local pastors went to the police station and filed a complaint against the attackers.

Pray for healing for Pastor Yakobu. Pray that he, his wife and their children will rely on God’s guidance and care. Pray for an outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit in India to embolden and strengthen Christians facing trials for their faith.

For more on the persecution of Christians in India, go to www.persecution.net/india.htm.
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2. Christian sisters kidnapped, raped and forcibly converted in Pakistan

Pakistani Christian sisters Parvisha Masih (18) and Sanam Masih (14) face a long legal battle after escaping from Muslim kidnappers who raped and forced them to convert to Islam. In early November, two Muslim men, Muhammad Irfan and Muhammed Mehboob, convinced the girls to get into their car by offering them positions at a salon to help support their family. The girls were subsequently drugged and taken to a hotel in the city of Mianwali where they were held at gunpoint, raped and threatened with death if they attempted to escape. The next day, they were driven to the city of Karachi where they were held for several days in the home of Mehboob’s brother-in-law. Both girls were forcibly converted to Islam and their names were changed. The captors then took Parvisha and Sanam to a lawyer’s office, reportedly to arrange their transfer to a government shelter for women. The lawyers told the girls they could spend the night with their families, but they were instead taken to an empty house where they were drugged again and Parvisha was sexually assaulted. When Sanam heard her sister crying out for help, she was able to steal one of the lawyer’s cell phones and call the police. The lawyers and kidnappers were arrested and the girls were returned to their parents.

The Masih family anticipates a long and difficult battle for justice, as the legal system typically favours Muslims and rarely rules against alleged conversions to Islam.

Ask God to grant Parvisha and Sanam His healing, love, and strength as they recover from these attacks, especially as they fear a future of societal rejection. Pray that those responsible will repent and come to know Jesus. Pray for wisdom for the family’s lawyers.

To learn more about how Pakistani believers suffer for Christ’s sake, go to www.persecution.net/pakistan.htm.
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3. Pastor attacked, wife gang-raped in Bangladesh

Pastor Shankar Hazra (55) and his wife Depali (45) were attacked by Muslims outside their home on the Chaksing Baptist church property in Gopalganj district, Bangladesh on January 6. According to a January 20 report from Compass Direct, in the early morning, the couple went outside to use the washroom when approximately seven Muslims surrounded them. They tied Pastor Hazra to the porch and blindfolded Depali and forced her inside the house. The assailants looted the couple’s belongings and gang-raped Depali. Upon leaving the house, they broke into the nearby church building where they urinated and defecated on the floor. Pastor Hazra was eventually able to untie himself and get help for his unconscious wife.

Although the couple testifies that their attackers were Muslim, police officers, Muslim-owned media and some influential citizens have made the claim that the crime was actually committed by two Christians and a Hindu under the direction of another local pastor. When the police stated these allegations in the initial report, Pastor Hazra signed the document without reading it because he was so shaken from the attack. Depali has since written a corrected statement of the events. At last report, the couple was living with relatives to avoid further attacks.

Ask God to heal Depali from the physical and emotional scars of the rape. Pray that those who are truly guilty will be found and convicted. Pray that Pastor Hazra and Depali will continue be a light that draws others to Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16).

Find out more about the persecution of Christians in Bangladesh at www.persecution.net/bangladesh.htm.
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4. Update: Christians lobby against Sri Lankan anti-conversion bill

Within the next month, the draft bill entitled “Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of Religion” is to be taken up in the Parliament of Sri Lanka for debate, final reading and a vote (see www.persecution.net/lk-2009-01-14.htm for more). On January 6, the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress launched a report that contained highly inflammatory and false accusations against the Christian community in an attempt to bolster support for the repressive legislation. The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, a VOMC partner, is urging immediate attention in advocating against the proposed anti-conversion bill. To download a sample lobbying letter, go to www.persecution.net/download/lk-sample-letter.pdf. To view a copy of the anti-conversion section of the bill, go to www.persecution.net/download/lk-legislation.pdf.
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5. From Behind the Wire: VOMC Persecuted Church Prayer Conferences

Don’t miss VOMC’s upcoming Persecuted Church Prayer Conferences in Mississauga, Ontario on March 28 and Edmonton, Alberta on April 4. This year’s conferences will focus on our brothers and sisters in North Korea. Hear the testimony of guest speaker Mr. Kim, a man who served in the North Korean military until he came to know Christ and escaped to China. Learn more about the work of The Voice of the Martyrs in Korea from VOMC co-workers, Eric Foley and Ahn Hyun Sook. Be blessed through the music and worship led by violinist Trevor Dick. VOMC CEO, Glenn Penner, and Greg Musselman will also report on how the mission is serving the Persecuted Church worldwide. For more information, please phone our office at 1.888.298.6423 or check out our conference brochure at www.persecution.net/download/2009confbroch.pdf.
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6. In this week’s VOMC weblog (www.persecution.net/weblog.htm)

Check out the latest posts by VOMC staff:
a) Glenn Penner asks for prayer for those involved in a heartbreaking story from ChinaAid in “Chinese authorities deny dying husband’s request for a final visit with his imprisoned wife.”

b) In “Blasphemy laws ‘will be abolished,’ says Pakistan Minister for Minorities,” Glenn discusses promises made by Pakistan’s Minister for Minorities regarding the country’s controversial blasphemy laws.

c) View a video which reveals the disturbing beliefs and philosophies of Hamas leaders in “Hamas in their own voices.”

d) Adele Konyndyk highlights a recent persecution incident reported by Compass Direct in “Newly-converted Christians expelled by sons in Bangladesh.”

To make comments on these and previous VOMC weblogs, go to persecutedchurch.blogspot.com.