Prayers for the Persecuted Church (3/22/2012)

03/12/2012 China (ChinaAid) Members Detained and Sent to Labor Camp as Chinese House Church Repeatedly Targeted for Persecution - A house church belonging to the China for Christ denomination has been the target of months of attacks from local authorities in the city of Zhuozhou, Hebei province, with church members being illegally detained, interrogated and sent to labor camps -- simply for attending worship services or other activities.Local authorities have also forcibly confiscated 170,000 yuan ($27,000 USD) of church funds without following any of the required legal procedures. They have also sent people to labor camps and demolished the home where the church was meeting.A religious affairs bureau official announced that the church's November 8, 2011 meeting, which was attended by over fifty villagers, was an illegal service because it had not been registered with or approved by the government departments supervising religious affairs. Full Story Pray for the house churches in China as their number is rapidly increasing but is continually targeted by Chinese authorities for persecution. Praise God for watering the planted seeds of the Gospel in China! Pray for these villagers who have been sent to labor camps for their faith. May their faith remain strong under the intentional oppression by the government. Pray that the Lord will providentially use these events to bring the Gospel to others in these labor camps and in the government bureaus.

03/12/2012 India (BosNewsLife) India Militants Attack Prayer Meeting, Pastors Suspected Hindu militants broke up a Christian prayer meeting and forced two women leading the gathering to stop evangelizing in India's southwestern state of Karnataka, as part of several attacks against devoted believers across the country. As many as twenty Hindu "radicals" and "extremists" raided the March 3 prayer meeting in the Vijayanagar neighborhood of Bangalore, local Christians said. The mob allegedly insulted worshipers and ordered the two women leading the service, Parimala, 36, and Padmavathi, 35, to stop the prayers immediately. The two women are members of the Mahima Prarthana Mandira - an independent church in the Vijayanagar neighborhood. Both believers, who were Hindus before becoming Christians twelve years ago, also lead a sixty-member congregation which often gathers for prayer services at a rented home. Additionally, they have been distributing evangelical publications with the Gospel. These activities angered the militants and filed complaints of "forceful conversion" and pressured the two to write down that they would halt prayer meetings and no long conduct their evangelistic activities. Full Story Pray for these two women who are specifically being targeted for spreading the Gospel. Jesus said He will build His church and the gates of Hell would not prevail against it. Pray for fruit of their evangelistic efforts. Pray for these Hindu militants, that like these two women, will see the beauty of Christ and put their faith in the one true God. Pray for India as they have seen increasing persecution and attacks by Hindu militants.

03/14/2012 Afghanistan (AsiaNews) Christian Fears Grow Worse as Taliban Prepare New Attacks The recent killing of 16 civilians by a US soldier has left Afghanistan's Christian population increasingly fearful as the Taliban has promised new attacks. Coupled with the recent Qur'an burnings at an American military base, violent protests have erupted across the country leaving more than forty people dead. "Resentment against the West and Christians is growing stronger, even though no direct threats have been made against individuals," sources say. International media have shown Afghans protesting by burning crosses and Christian symbols. For most Afghans, the West and Christianity are the same, the sources note. "Sadly, the crazy act of a madman will be paid [for by] Christians." Full Story Pray that U.S. presence in Afghanistan will be a blessing and not a catalyst for hatred and violence towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for the small population of Christians in Afghanistan who have been continually targeted by Muslim extremists. Pray for their safety and for the faith. Pray that the church continues to grow in Afghanistan. Pray that the eyes of the people will be opened to the joy and satisfaction that is found in Christ alone.

03/14/2012 Eritrea (International Christian Concern) Imprisoned Head of Eritrean Orthodox Church in Urgent Need of Medical Attention Patriarch Antonios, who has been imprisoned for his faith, is a diabetic and his situation is deteriorating due to lack of medical attention. He has been detained at an undisclosed location since 2006. The Eritrean government is known for their oppression of Christians. There are over 3000 Christians in prison in the country simply because of their faith. ICC's Jonathan Racho said, "We are deeply concerned about the health of the Patriarch and urge the international community to pressure Eritrea to release him. Eritrea must end the unlawful detention of Christian prisoners." Patriarch Antonios was detained for asking the Eritrean government to release members of his church detained for their beliefs and urging the Eritrean officials not to interfere in the affairs of the church. Full Story  Pray for Patriarch Antonios as his health declines. Pray for the Lord to sustain him during this time. Pray that those Christians also serving sentences for their faith. Eritrea is notorious for the brutal prison conditions for Christians. Be in prayer for sustained faith, safety, and providential opportunities for the Gospel to be shown and preached. Pray for the hearts of those in Eritrea to be fertile soil for the Gospel.

03/14/2012 United States (FoxNews) NASA Scientist Claims He Was Harassed, Demoted Over Intelligent Design Beliefs David Coppedge, a high-level computer systems administrator at the laboratory maintains he was fired nine months after expressing his beliefs in intelligent design to his co-workers. Lawyer William Becker spoke on behalf of Coppedge to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ernest Hiroshige in trial of the religious discrimination lawsuit his client filed in April 2010. JPL attorney James Zapp argued that Coppedge was laid off as part of a staff reduction and that Coppedge had trouble getting along with other employees, becoming defensive when a supervisor instructed him on avoiding confrontations with co-workers. According to his suit, Coppedge was demoted for allegedly "pushing religion" by loaning interested co-workers DVDs supporting intelligent design. Full Story Pray for this trial as it could have significant repercussions for free speech in the workplace. Pray for the judge in this trial, that he or she rules objectively. Pray that this case awakens the U.S. to the plight of the persecuted church.

03/14/2012 Pakistan (CNN) Petition: Free Pakistani Woman Set for Execution  In a weird twist of irony, Asia Bibi is facing the death penalty following a false accusation of blasphemy in Pakistan, which is running for a seat on the United Nation's Human Rights Council. However, activists presented a petition Tuesday to the U.N. calling on Pakistan to free the Christian mother of five from being put to death on the charge. Pakistani courts found Asia Bibi guilty of defiling the name of the Prophet Mohammed during a 2009 argument with Muslim fellow field workers. As a result, Bibi was sentenced to death by hanging. But an investigation by a Pakistani government ministry found the charges stemmed from religious and personal enmity and recommended Bibi's release. The petition was signed by fifty activists including a former Czech foreign minister, the president of the U.N. General Assembly, a survivor of Tienanmen Square, and a women's rights activist. "With Pakistan now running for a seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council, the government should make an important gesture by releasing Asia Bibi, and repealing its blasphemy law, which is inconsistent with basic human rights," said Hillel Neuer, director of U.N. Watch, a Geneva-based human rights group that organized the petition. Full Story Pray for the nation of Pakistan. With increasing pressure on the government to reverse laws that target Christians and with increasing pressure on maintaining religious freedom, Christians may be able to worship freely someday in this country. Pray for Asia Bibi who has been in prison for nearly three years. Pray for her safety and strength of faith. Her faith is something to praise God for, as the Lord has been faithful in encouraging her. Pray for the many needs of her family. One of her five children has special needs and the burden on this family is great, not just because of their size, but coupled with persecution, they have struggled to meet their needs.

3/16/2012 Pakistan (Deccan Herald) Majority of Christian and Hindu Women Face Sexual Harassment in Pakistan A recent study has shown that the majority of minority women, both Christian and Hindu, are subject to discrimination and harassment. Out of 1000 women interviewed, 74 percent of them had been sexually harassed in the workplace in 2010 and 2011. Due to their economic status, these women are "on the margins of social and economic development," says Peter Jacob, executive director for the National Commission for Justice and Peace. This position makes minority women easy targets for discrimination. Full Story Pray for Christian and Hindu women of Pakistan, that God will protect his daughters, encourage them and empower them to be victors in their environment. Pray for the NCJP, that their work will be seen, heard and acted upon. Pray that Pakistan will safeguard women's rights.

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Prayers for the Persecuted Church (5/30/2011)

5/26/11 Pakistan (WorthyNews) Suspected Islamic Militants Attack Pastor and Family; Son Injured-
Christians in Pakistan remained concerned on Monday, May 23th, over the situation of Pastor Paul Ashraf and his family after a report that they narrowly survived a drive-by-shooting by suspected Islamic militants in Punjab province, seriously injuring their eldest son. "Pastor Ashraf was in a van with his wife, Rubina Ashraf, and eldest son Sarfraz Ashraf, on April 27th when two unidentified men on a motorbike opened fire" on their car, said the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), an advocacy group closely following the case. "Miraculously, he survived the shot to the face and was released from MAYO Hospital after just one day," CLAAS told Worthy News.

Pastor Ashraf leads two large congregations in the towns of Kashmore and Sadiq Abad, CLAAS explained. Additionally, he is a noted Christian writer and poet who, with his wife, runs a flourishing free high school for children of Christian families in Lahore city, Christians said.

CLAAS said that Pakistani Christians had urged prayers. "Please pray for us as we support Pastor Ashraf and his family in their legal case, and please pray that God will protect them from further harm," the group said.

There has been growing concerns about Islamic attacks against minority Christians in Pakistan following the March assassination of the cabinet's only Christian minister, Shahbaz Bhatti. In leaflets left at the scene at the time, terror group al-Qaida and the Pakistani Taliban Movement in Punjab province claimed responsibility. They blamed the government for putting Bhatti, an "infidel Christian," in charge of an unspecified committee. Full Story

Pray that Sarfraz, eldest son of Paul and Rubina Ashraf, will recover quickly after the brutal drive-by-shooting by Islamic militants.
Pray that the Pakistani authorities will arrest and prosecute the attackers and that they will protect Christians from Islamic terrorists.
Pray that CLAAS will successfully support the Ashraf’s in their legal case and that God will intervene in their protection from harm.

Pray that the Muslims will repent of their sins and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.

5/25/11 Algeria (ICC) Seven Churches Forced to Close in Algerian Province-
Algerian authorities ordered the immediate closure of seven Protestant churches in the province of Béjaia in early May and demanded that the Algerian Protestant Church Association (EPA) eventually close all churches under their authority throughout the country.

A written notification dated May 8 and addressed to the President of the EPA demanded the closure of seven churches in Algeria’s Béjaia province, located 200 kilometers east of the capital Algiers. The notification was reportedly ordered by Hamou Ahmed Touhami, the president-appointed wali (or governor) of the Béjaia province, and signed by Police Commissioner Ben Amar Salma. A follow-up statement released by the local police department on May 22 further stated that all Protestant churches in Algeria must be closed. “I, Mr. Ben Amar Salma, the High Commissioner of the police in Bejaia, have informed Mr. Mustapha Krim, the President of the EPA … to close down all worship places around the country once for all; the places which are used now and the places which are under construction … The authorities will make sure that the order will be obeyed, otherwise severe consequences and punishments will be applied,” the statement read.

According to the notification received by the EPA, the churches are to be closed permanently “for exercising religious worship other than Islam without authorization or the compliance of the National Commission for Non-Muslim Religious Services.” Full Story

Pray that the Algerian government will create an environment that creates safety and stability while also upholding the Algerian Constitution which states that freedom of creed is inviolable.
Pray that the believers will ardently worship God and proclaim the Gospel through the leading of the Holy Spirit with courage and prudence even in the midst of the tormenting Algerian authorities.




5/23/11 China (MNN) Prisoner Released in China-

After two years, a Chinese Christian has finally been released from prison. Yang Caizhen, along with her husband and four other Linfen-Fushan church leaders from Shanxi Province, were sentenced to criminal detention from two years up to several years on November 25, 2009.

The church leaders were arrested for organizing a prayer rally on September 14, 2009--the day after 400 military police raided the church's grounds, seriously wounding 30 believers and destroying 17 church buildings. The leaders were accused of "gathering people to disturb the public order" for organizing the prayer. Full Story

Pray that Yang Caizhen has been released from prison.
Pray that Yang would heal physically and emotionally.

Pray that the Lord would continue to speak through all of these Christ followers, in or out of prison.

5/20/11 Nigeria (OneNewsNow) Muslims react with violence to new president-
“More than 300 churches have been burned down in Northern Nigeria,” says Rocha. “Hundreds of people have been killed, including Christians and Muslims. They even attacked and killed and destroyed the property of Muslims who voted for the Christian candidate.”

Thousands of Christians have been forced from their homes and are now in refugee camps as well, he shares.

“The government has deployed the security and they also promised to investigate the latest violence -- and we hope they will take measures to ensure that these things will not occur in this situation because it's one of the bloodiest times for the people in the northern part of Nigeria,” Rocha states.

International Christian Concern (ICC) has recently launched a drive to raise funds to help feed refugees until they can return home and rebuild their lives. Click here to learn how to help. Full Story

Pray that the Nigerian government will arrest and prosecute the beastly murderers and that it will protect its people, including Christians, from harm.
Pray that all the victimized Nigerian Christians will be comforted and strengthened by God and that they will remain devoted Christians.

Pray that the Gospel will spread with saving grace and power and that there will be many lost souls that will come to faith in Christ.

Prayers for the Persecuted (3/21/11)

3/17/2011 Ethiopia (ICC) Ethiopian Muslim Group Says More Attacks Against Christians Are Coming-

After a string of coordinated attacks on Ethiopian Christians, Muslims announced through loudspeakers that this attack is only the beginning and should be viewed as only a warning to the Christians.

On March 18, 2011 armed Muslims entered the home of an elderly Christian leader who founded a church near the town of Asendabo. When the militants began to assault the church leader, his grandson rushed to intervene, screaming at the men to leave his grandfather. The Islamists turned their attention to the young man. He sustained three wounds to his head and one on his hand before the men proceeded to rob the home and leave the young man for dead. His family was forced to make a three-hour journey on foot to take to a hospital in a nearby city, where he is still receiving treatment.

Muslims in the area have threatened that more attacks are coming and more Christians will be killed in the future attacks. Full Story

Pray that the Christians in this area remain steadfast and strong in their faith in Christ.

Pray the Muslim community sees the love of Christ displayed among the Christians and that their hearts will be changed towards worshiping Christ through their display.

Pray for the comfort of those who have been attacked and persecuted as a result of their faith.

3/17/2011 China (ChinaAid) Letter from Underground Chinese Church After Raid-

"The officials wouldn't listen to us and continued to hit the people with their batons. Everything was turned upside down and it was a scene of chaos! The officials handcuffed many people by force, and beat anybody who talked. Right on the spot, they destroyed any evidence of their illegal law enforcement (video and audio recording). Many camcorders, cameras, and cell phones were confiscated by force and destroyed. Are we supposed to believe that these law enforcement officers of our Party and our state are called people's police? How can people's police beat the people like this?"

These are the words of the Chinese underground church who issued a letter following an attack on a group studying the laws on religious affairs in China. Nearly 100 riot police officers and 80 plainclothes people burst into the home and burst into a violent attack on the believers in the house. Full Story

Pray for China as the persecution against the Christian population still continues.

Pray for the hearts of the Chinese people, as the numbers of those coming to know Christ increase daily. Pray that the Gospel continues to spread throughout the country despite fierce opposition.

Pray for the comfort and healing of those injured in these raids.

3/17/2011 Egypt (ChristianToday) - Coptic Christians Attacked by Egyptian Military After Suspending Demonstrations-

Dozens of Christian demonstrators have been attacked by Egyptian Armed Forces despite agreeing to suspend a sit-in protest outside the state-run television building that lasted 9 days.

The Coptic protestors came under fire on Monday, as the youth cleaned up the site and families from other provinces packed up their belongings, according to the Assyrian International News Agency.

Dr. Gameel Ebeid of the Coptic hospital in Cairo treated 15 victims of the assault, 14 of which suffered from broken feet and head wounds caused by electrified batons. Full Story

Pray for Egypt as the instability of the country over the past year has taken its toll on the Christian community there.

Pray for the future Egyptian government as there is deep concern over the future tolerance of the Christian church in Egypt.

Pray for the acting government as they appear to have taken a hard stance against the Christian population.

3/17/11 Pakistan (UCA) Asia Bibi Fears She's Next, After Pakistani Minister's Slaying-

Speaking from her prison cell, Asia Bibi has voiced her "pain and concern" following the assasination of Minister Shahbaz Bhatti in Pakistan. Bibi compared Bhatti to slain Punjab governor Salman Taseer, who defended her publicly "and paid with his life," her lawyer told Fides news agency.

Posters have appeared inside the jail showing images of Taseer and Bhatti with a large question mark and the threatening phrase: "Who will be next?" Full Report.

Pray that Asia remains reassured of God's sovereignty and grace in this situation, as some hope was lost with the assasinations of those who have supported her.

Pray that Asia may be released from prison and that she will be protected from militants who are passionate about seeing her punished for allegedly blaspheming Allah.

Pray for Asia's family as they have had to endure this grueling and heartwrenching situation.

3/16/2011 North Korea (ChristianToday) Campaign to End Persecution of Christians in North Korea-

Release International has launched a new campaign calling upon North Korea to protect the human rights of Christians.

The One Day campaign is asking people to sign a petition calling for religious freedom in the reclusive communist country, where all forms of Christian meeting, literature and Bibles are forbidden.

As one of the worst persecutors of Christians in the world, believers there are frequently detained, tortured and sent to labour camps because of their faith.

Entire families have been known to have been imprisoned beacuse one member of the family was found to be a Christian or in possession of a Bible. Full Story

Pray for the desperate situation in North Korea, as both intense persecution and hunger have become the norm in the country.

Pray for the North Korean government and that God would soften their hearts towards Christians.

Pray for the church in North Korea and that it will continue to grow despite what appear to be overwhelming odds.

3/18/2011 Iran (ChristianToday) Iranian News Website Suspended After Reporting Burning of New Testaments-

Mohabat News, the only active news agency inside Iran that reported on the recent mass arrests of Christians in the country, was suddenly suspended today. It is unclear why the website has been disabled, however in the past authorities have been known to shut down websites run by human rights groups and critics of the regime under the guise of defending the nation against "cyber warfare"

In recent months, a staff member of Mohabat News was allegedly threatened via an email from the Revolutionary Guard, which stated that he and his family would be targeted, and "bad things" would happen to them as a result of Mohabat's output.

The suspension came the day after the agency reported the seizure and burning of 600 New Testaments by authorities in western Iran on February 7, 2011. Full Story

Pray that Gospel continues to spread as much as it has in Iran. Nearly 300 Christians have been arrested in 34 cities in Iran since June 2010, yet the Gospel continues to spread and the church is growing.

Pray that although the New Testaments may have been burned, that the Word of God will continue to be distributed throughout the country and that God's Word will "not return void to Him."

Pray for the Mohabat News Agency as they have been the sole voice of the persecuted church within in Iran.

Prayers for the persecuted church (10/8/10)

10/7/2010 Islam (WND) Report Finds That Islamic Numbers, Influence Surging-

“The situation is really bad for Christians in some areas where Muslims are now in the majority in Europe,” said Jonathan Racho, a Regional Manager for International Christian Concern. Many European Muslims, especially those who live in areas where they outnumber Christians, are beginning to flex their muscles. In fact, there are some parts of the UK that are considered “no go” areas. These are areas of a town where non-Muslims are not allowed (or advised) to “go” or enter. Furthermore, UK Christians are being attacked in their Muslim-dominated neighborhoods and evangelists are being stopped by Muslim police officers. Some say that the United States is not far behind. Full Story

Pray for the safety of Christians living in Muslim-dominated neighborhoods.
Pray that the UK will start protecting its Christians citizens.



10/5/2010 Algeria (CDN) Algerian Christians Acquitted of Eating During Ramadan-

On August 12, 2010, Salem Fellak and Hocine Hocini, were arrested while eating lunch. Why? These two Algerian men were detained for consuming food during the Muslim month of Ramadan. According to reports, officers at a nearby police station walked up to the two Christian men and confronted them for not fasting. When Salem and Hocine explained that they were Christian, the angry officers accused them of insulting Islam. Yet, this explanation was not good enough. Salem and Hocine were arrested, interrogated for two hours, and then dragged to court. “I have the right not to fast. I am a Christian,” said Salem Fellak while standing trial at an Algerian court. Fortunately, the case against Salem and Hocine was dismissed! Full Story.

Praise the Lord that the case against Salem Fellak and Hocine Hocini was dismissed!
Pray that the Algerian government will not force Christians to follow Islamic rules.
Pray that the court’s dismissal of the case will not cause Salem and Hocine to be persecuted by Algerian Muslims.





9/30/2010 China (ChinaAid) House Churches Raided, Two Foreign Pastors Missing-

In the past few weeks, two house churches have been baselessly raided in China—one in Sichuan and one in Henan. Yet, the word “raided” does not adequately describe the way Chinese police officers took it upon themselves to smash objects, confiscate books, and arrest church members. In fact, two foreign pastors, one from America and one from Russia, were also detained and arrested. The whereabouts of the pastors are still unknown. Many of the arrested believers have been threatened with labor camps where they will be re-educated. Full Story.

Pray that the two foreign pastors are found and released.
Pray that the arrested church members will be set free and all talk of labor camps will be forgotten.
Pray that the Chinese government will stop raiding house churches and allow them to worship the Lord.




10/5/2010 Pakistan (MNN) Christians Endure More Attacks in Punjab-

On September 23, 2010, a mob of Muslims attacked dozens of Christians in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. According to sources, a mob of 40 militants fired shots at homes and into the streets—wounding and killing many innocent believers. It has been rumored that three powerful politicians instigated the attacks, but this rumor has yet to be confirmed or substantiated. Full Story.

Pray for the families whose loved ones were killed in this vicious attack.
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Pray for the swift physical and mental healing of those Christians who survived the attack.
Pray that the rumors are false—that politicians were not involved in this deplorable act of Christian persecution.

10/4/2010 Pakistan (Coshocton Tribune) Pakistani Bishop: "It Requires Great Sacrifice" to Be Christian-

President Obama has called the northernmost province of Pakistan "the most dangerous place in the world." This area, which measures 29,000 square miles, is home to 20 million Pakistani citizens. The northernmost province is infamous for smuggling, arms dealing, and kidnapping. Yet the people who are in the most danger in the northernmost province are the Christians. Many Pakistani believers are killed, tortured, and arrested for their faith in Christ. To make matters worse, citizen rights are based on religion in Pakistan. Thus, Christians are at the very bottom—they are seen as the “slum of the earth.” Yet, even though these brothers and sisters in Christ are looked down upon, they still feel blessed to be part of the family of Jesus Christ. Full Story

Pray for the peace and fortitude of the Pakistani Christians.
Pray that the Pakistani Christians know that they are not the “slum of the earth” but beautiful children of God.
Pray that the Lord will place a huge hedge of protection around the Pakistani Christians.

9/30/2010 Pakistan (AllVoices) Attacks on Christians Persist in Pakistan-

Since September 8, 2010, Christians in Mohalla Kalupura, Pakistan have been attacked more than 10 times by fundamentalist Muslims. Just last week, these faithful believers were attacked again. According to sources, 40 Islamic extremists barreled through the streets of Mohalla Kalupura firing their guns and swinging their axes. It is still unknown just how many Pakistani Christians died or were critically injured in this merciless onslaught. To make matters worse, local police have yet to find and apprehend the culprits. Full Story.

Pray for the swift mental and physical healing of the Christians who were attacked in Mohalla Kalupura, Pakistan.
Pray that the Pakistani government will protect Mohalla Kalupura from any future attacks.
Pray that the Lord will pierce the hearts of Pakistan’s Muslims.




9/28/2010 Egypt (DailyNewsEgypt) Mother of Christian Twins Seeks Azhar Fatwa-

Last March, Kamelia Lotfy Gaballah tried desperately to change her twins’ religion on their birth certificates from Muslim to Christian. Unfortunately, the Egyptian courts refused her request. Sixteen-year-old twins, Andrew and Mario, were raised as Christians, but are documented as Muslims because their father is Muslim. Knowing that her sons will be “forced” to convert to Islam if something isn’t done, Kamelia has begged the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar to issue a fatwa allowing 15-year-old children to “choose” their religion. If the Grand Sheikh refuses Kamelia’s request, Andrew and Mario will forever have the word “Muslim” stamped on their national I.D. cards. Full Story.

Pray that the Grand Sheikh will grant Kamelia Lotfy Gaballah’s request.
Pray that Andrew and Mario will not be persecuted for their decision to be seen as Christians in an Islamic country.
Pray that Andrew and Mario will be shining lights for their Muslim father.

Prayers for the persecuted church (3/15/2010)

3/8/10 Nigeria (ICC) 500 Christians Slain in Muslim Jihad Attack in Nigeria- On March 8, 2010, a group of Nigerian Muslims mercilessly slaughtered 500 Christians in the village of Dogo Nahawa. At 2 a.m. local time, the Islamic radicals stormed into the Christian village and butchered the faithful believers--most of them women and children. Thus far, Nigerian police have arrested 93 people in this brutal act of Christian persecution.. Full Story.

Pray for the families of these 500 murdered Christians as they mourn the deaths of their loved ones.
Pray that the Nigerian police will find, arrest, and convict all of the murderers.
Pray that the Lord will place a hedge of protection around Nigeria's Christian population.

For more general information, please go to ICC's website on Nigeria.

3/8/20 China (ChinaAid) Chinese Land Official Says, "Golden Lampstand Church Will Be Destroyed.”- In September of 2009, China's beautiful Golden Lampstand Church was confiscated by the Chinese government. Since that time, military police have been stationed in and around the building to keep faithful Christians from entering. Now Chinese government officials are demanding that the six-story, beautiful Golden Lampstand Church be completely destroyed! Full Story.

Pray that the Chinese government puts a stop to its plans to destroy the Golden Lampstand Church!
Pray that China's military police will leave the Golden Lampstand Church.
Pray for the mental and physical strength of China's Christian population.

For more general information, please go to ICC's website on China.

3/8/10 Morocco (ICC) 33 Children Forcibly Abandoned by Morocco- The Village of Hope orphanage in Ain Leuh, Morocco, is home to many children who have been abandoned by their parents and society. Unfortunately, Moroccan officials have been given orders to close this loving home. According to sources, the orders are based on the fact that the staff has been proselytizing orphans to Christianity. If the Village of Hope orphanage is indeed torn down, then these poor children will have to live on the streets or in government “mega” orphanages. Full Story.

Pray that the government orders to close the Village of Hope orphanage are reversed.
Pray that the Village of Hope workers help bring many children to Christ.
Pray that the Moroccan government will stop persecuting their Christian citizens.

For more general information, please go to ICC's website on Morocco.

3/9/10 Iran (CDN) Iranian Pastor Tortured, Threatened for ‘Converting Muslims’- According to sources, an Iranian pastor who has been accused of ‘converting Muslims’ is being tortured in prison! On February 2, 2010, Iranian security agents arrested Rev. Wilson Issavi after he finished a house meeting in Isfahan. Issavi’s wife has reported that her husband has obvious signs of torture and is in very poor condition. According to Iranian officials, Issavi may be executed for his alleged activities. Full Story.
Pray that Rev. Wilson Issavi is released from prison.
Pray that all charges are dropped against Issavi.
Pray that the Lord will place a hedge of protection around Rev. Wilson Issavi and his congregation.

For more general information, please go to IICC's website on Iran.

3/5/10 Pakistan (Spero News) Christians Protest Second-Class Status Under Islamic Law- The Pakistani government has been using its blasphemy law to interrogate and persecute innocent Christians. Recently, Gulzar Kanwal, the owner of a cosmetics shop in Wandu, has been erroneously accused of blasphemy by a group of fundamentalist Muslims. These false accusations have caused this faithful Christian to be threatened, insulted, and detained by the Pakistani police. Kanwal is now scared to reopen her shop. Full Story.

Pray for a hedge of protection to be placed around Gulzar Kanwal and her cosmetics shop.
Pray that the Pakistani government stops using and abusing its blasphemy law to persecute Christians.
Pray that the Pakistani government will begin enacting laws to protect its Christian citizens.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on Pakistan.



3/10/10 Pakistan (BosNewsLife) Pakistan Christian Dies After Gunmen Storm House- On March 10, 2010, a group of armed Muslims barged into Mukhityar Masih’s home and attacked the faithful Christian. Masih’s only crime was lodging a police complaint about his Muslim landlord. The merciless attack was so terrible that Mukhityar Masih ended up dying of a heart attack. Pakistan authorities have yet to detain any suspects.. Full Story.

Pray for Mukhityar Masih’s family as they mourn the death of their loved one.
Pray that the government of Pakistan will find and arrest Masih’s murderers.
Pray that the Pakistani government will start protecting their Christian citizens.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on Pakistan.

Weekly prayer requests for the persecuted church (12/29/09)

12/11/09 China (AP) Fast-growing Christian churches crushed in China- In China, large congregations seem to be the target of a government backed crackdown. At least three large churches have been attacked. The Golden Lamp church in the northern province of Shanxi, which serves close to 50,000 people, was recently attacked by hundreds of hired thugs and police officers. The attackers smashed doors and windows, stole Bibles, and attacked numerous parishioners to the point of needing hospitalization. The co-pastors of this church were also jailed. The authorities attribute this attack and others like it to land disputes. In reality these churches may be under attack because they reject the state-controlled church. Golden Lamp church has been closed with the gates locked and guarded by police. Full Story.

Pray for the release of the two pastors
Pray for the complete healing of the injured parishioners
Pray that the church will be reopened and no longer be attacked
Pray that the Chinese government will stop the abuse of Christians

For more general information, please go to ICC's website on China



12/18/09 UK (The Christian Post) U.K. Court rules against Christian who refused to conduct gay ceremony- Lillian Ladele has worked with the Islington City Council for close to 16 years. She claims that recently she has been ridiculed and bullied. Why? For refusing to "conduct a same-sex civil union ceremony because it violated her religious beliefs." On December 15, 2009 a London Court of Appeals ruled against Lillian in this case. Full Story.

Pray that the bullying Lillian is experiencing will stop
Pray that this case will not become precedent in England and other countries
Pray that God will continue to give Christians the boldness to fearlessly follow their conscience while working in public office positions despite the consequences.

For more general information, please go to ICC's website.



12/15/09 Pakistan (ANS) Those affected by the violence in Korian and Gojra in Pakistan are slowly being 'healed'- July 30, 2009 was a day when more than 50 houses and four churches of Christians were burnt by extremists in Chak 362 JB, Korian in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. On August 1, 2009, just two days later, in Gojra, a Christian colony in the Toba Tak Singh district of Pakistan, Muslim extremists burned seven Christians to death and burned possibly more than 68 homes and two churches. 101 of those accused of bringing about these crimes have been arrested. 189 more of the hundreds accused have been sent to court. In Gojra 68 houses and two churches have been rebuilt and in Korian 49 houses and four churches have also been rebuilt. The government is providing legal and relief aid to the victims. Full Story.

Pray for the continued legal and relief aid for the victims
Pray that justice will prevail and all of those involved in these crimes will be punished
Pray for the continued physical, psychological and emotional healing of the Pakistani victims
Pray that God would encourage and strengthen Pakistani Christians

For more general information, please go to ICC's website on Pakistan.




12/20/09 Iraq (ANS) Continued Attacks on Assyrians in Mosul Kill 5, Including Newborn Infant- Since 2004 Assyrian Christians in Iraq have suffered consistent attacks. Al Qaeda is behind a bombing on December 15, 2009 in Mosul of two churches and a church school. Sadly the bombings killed 5 people including a newborn baby and injured 40 others. As a result of persecution thousands of Assyrian Christians are displaced within Iraq or living as refugees in nearby countries. Full Story.

Pray for the end of the attacks on Assyrian Christians
Pray that God would comfort those grieving the loss of loved ones
Pray that God would encourage the Assyrian Christians despite the hostile conditions they live in.

For more general information, please go to ICC's website on Iraq.




12/18/09 India (AsiaNews) India: Parliament set to discuss proposed equal rights for Dalit Christians, Muslims- An Indian law concerning the caste system and dates back 59 years "justifies the discrimination of Dalits according to their religious affiliation." Essentially, the law does not allow for Dalits to be discriminated against if they are Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist. Any Dalit that ascribes to a religion other than the three listed including Christianity, Islam, and others can be discriminated against and the law would and has supported such discrimination. The Dalits also known as the Untouchables are people classified under the lowest caste of India's caste system. The National Commission on Religious and Linguistic Minorities has given the lower house of the Indian Parliament, the Lok Sabha, a proposal to remove this law from the constitution. They seek to have the law removed so a Dalit's status is no longer associated with his or her religion. India's parliament will discuss this proposal. Full Story.

Pray the discussions won't be in vain and much good comes out of them.
Pray the law will be abolished and Dalit Christians in particular will no longer be discriminated against.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on India.




12/23/09 Iran (ICC) Iranian Police Attack Pre-Christmas Celebration- International Christian Concern was informed that in Karaj, Iran on December 17 a Christian worship gathering was raided by security police and undercover officers. Two leaders of the group were arrested and it is not known where they are being held. 70 new believers were present at this gathering which was a pre-Christmas celebration. Full Story.

Pray the two leaders are released.
Pray such attacks on Christians are exposed and stopped
Pray that Christmas will be a joyous time for Iranian Christians and not one full of grief.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on Iran.

Voice of the Martyrs update (2/28/08)

Prayers for February 27, 2008
From The Voice of the Martyrs.


CHINA
21 House Church Leaders Simultaneously Sentenced to Labor Camp - China Aid Association
China Aid Association (CAA) reports 21 senior house church leaders were recently simultaneously sentenced to a labor camp by the Linyi City Re-education Through Labor Commission. According to CAA, "The leaders were detained on December 7, 2007 when they gathered for leadership training with 249 other leaders in Hedong district, Linyi city, Shandong province. After paying fines and finishing detention ranging from a few days to a few weeks, 249 leaders were released. The 21 most senior leaders were sentenced to three years to one year and three months." The Public Security Bureau has accused and labeled the house church leaders as "evil cult" members. Of the 21 leaders sent to the labor camp, 12 are men and four are women. Pray for these believers and their families during this difficult time. Ask God to protect and encourage them. Pray they will be a good witness of Christ's love to other prisoners and their captors. Psalm 27:1

SRI LANKA
Pastor Killed, Wife in Seriously Injured in Attack - National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka
On February 17, Pastor Neil Edirisinghe, of the House Church Foundation, was gunned down by two assailants outside his home in Ampara, Sri Lanka. According to a report by the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL), "Pastor Edirisinghe was engaged in the Lord's ministry in Ampara for many years. The attackers also shot his wife in the stomach. At last report, she was in the hospital in critical condition. Their two-year-old son who received a minor injury in the attack is also suffering from trauma." NCEASL added the motive for the attacks was believed to be in response to Pastor Edirisinghe's ministry. The Voice of the Martyrs is assisting the family during this difficult time. Pray for peace and comfort for Pastor Edirisinghe's family. Pray for a speedy recovery for his wife and child and for them to rely on the great Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 107:2

GAZA
YMCA Library Bombed - VOM Sources
On February 16, unidentified assailants bombed the library of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) compound in the Shajaiyeh neighborhood of Gaza city. According to VOM sources, shortly after midnight, at least 12 gunmen entered the YMCA compound and kidnapped two guards at gunpoint after asking them why they worked for "infidels." The men stormed the building and detonated two homemade explosive devices inside the library. All 8,000 books in the library were destroyed and the floor, walls and ceiling were damaged. The attackers stole computers and other equipment from other YMCA offices. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. . However, sources in Gaza reportedly believe that the perpetrators were Muslim militants acting in response to the reproduction of cartoons "ridiculing" Muhammad in a number of Danish newspapers last week. Praise God no one was injured in this attack. Ask God to protect and give wisdom to believers in Gaza. Pray the attackers will come into contact with the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Joshua 1:9

ETHIOPIA
Christian Couple Beaten and Chased From Mosque - VOM Sources
On February 10, Muslin Christian converts, Jemmal Abdo and his wife, were beaten and chased out from a mosque where they both worked in the capital city of Addis Ababa. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, "Jemmal and his wife accepted Christ two months ago. Soon after their conversion Jemmal's friend saw him talking with Christians and told the imam of the mosque. Jemmal and his wife were interrogated in the mosque during a meeting called by Muslim leaders in an attempt to persuade the couple to recant their faith. The couple refused to do so, even after the leaders offered them higher positions and salaries if they denied Christ. The couple was beaten and dragged out of the mosque." Jemmal and his wife were able to flee to a new location for safety. Pray for the speedy recovery for Jemmal and his wife, who were injured in the attack. Ask God to strengthen them and provide for them as they stand strong in their new found faith in Jesus Christ. Isaiah 54:17

Voice of the Martyrs update (2/20/08)

Prayers for February 20, 2008
From The Voice of the Martyrs.


NIGERIA

One Dead, 60 Injured in Muslim Attacks on Christians--VOM SourcesOn February 2, one Christian was killed, 60 others injured, and churches, businesses and homes set on fire, in the latest Muslim attacks on Christians in Bauchi state, Nigeria. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Nigeria, "One Christian man was killed, over 60 people were seriously injured and five churches were damaged." This latest attack took place after two friends, a Christian lady and a Muslim man, had a disagreement. VOM contacts report, "These two were said to be friends of some sort until they had a disagreement on February 1. The Muslim man claimed that the Christian lady made some blasphemous utterances against the Prophet Muhammad. They were said to have parted ways that day without much trouble, but with a threat from the man that he would deal with the lady in his own way." VOM contacts added that the following day the Muslim man ganged up with Muslim extremists and started searching for the lady. "The lady was alerted of the attack and ran to the police station. The gang traced her to the police station and insisted the police release her. When the police did not release her, the attackers set the police station on fire. After the lady and the police escaped, the Muslim extremists attacked Christian homes, churches and shops," VOM contacts said. Believers who lived in the damaged and destroyed homes have not returned because of fear they might be attacked again. Pray for Christians in this state. Ask God to comfort the family of the deceased and those injured. Pray these believers will be encouraged to remain faithful in their walk with the Lord. Psalm 23:3-5


ALGERIA

Christians Under Increased Pressure--VOM Sources/ Middle East ConcernChristian leaders in Algeria have asked for international support following recent incidents that threaten human rights, especially religious rights. According to a February 7 report from Middle East Concern, believers are under pressure because the local Algerian media has been running an intense campaign against the church. Seven Christian fellowships are known to have been closed by the authorities and several believers have been arrested and formally charged. Pray that the closed fellowships will be opened, those arrested will be acquitted and for God to turn the negative media reports and use them for good. Ask God to encourage believers in Algeria and for the officials persecuting them. Pray they will hear the message of Jesus Christ. Romans 15:3-5


CHINA

Women Detained and Treated Indecently by Police--China Aid Association
On February 2, two Christian women, Meng Xiu Lan and Zhou Cheng Xiu, were detained by police in Jun Tun County, Yunan Province, after they were found distributing Christmas cards. According to China Aid Association (CAA), the two women, aged 55 and 53 respectively, were "threatened, mocked, stripped and frisked violently." CAA added, "Police then handcuffed the two women and escorted them back to their homes. After searching the homes, police illegally confiscated CDs, handouts, Bibles, song books and calendars, without proper documentation." Pray the Lord comforts and encourages these women after this difficult experience. Ask God to use their testimony to draw nonbelievers, including their persecutors, into fellowship with Him. Isaiah 53:4-5


EGYPT

Egyptian Court Recognizes Faith of 12 Converts to Christianity--VOM SourcesPraise God! An Egyptian court has recognized the faith of 12 converts to Christianity. The decision overturns a lower court ruling which said the state need not recognize conversions from Islam because it constituted "apostasy," an act often treated as a capital crime in the Muslim world. A lawyer for the 12 Coptic Christians described the case as a victory for human rights and freedom of religion that will open the door for hundreds of other Copts who want to return to their original faith from Islam. There is concern, however, over the ruling's mandate that the converts' former religion must be noted in their official documents, as this could leave them vulnerable to discrimination. Thank the Lord for this victory. Pray that these individuals will not be subject to further discrimination. Pray that those who were born into Muslim families and convert to Christianity will also have their conversions recognized by the Egyptian government. Psalm 103:1-5