China: Chinese government launches attacks against Christians during Christmas: "On Christmas Eve in Henan province, nine Christian women were arrested during a nativity play and are still being held by police. In Anhui province on December 22, officials arrested 19 students and two house church leaders and threatened to demolish their house church building. On December 21 in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, a house church was forbidden to gather and the pastor threatened with arrest." See When Iron Gates Yield
China:Christians in Earthquake Disaster Areas Raided by Police on Christmas Eve: "At about 3 p.m. on the afternoon of December 24, as the earthquake victims and the Christian volunteers for the construction of a building were taking a rest on the construction site, more than 40 policemen and an estimated 10 police vehicles led by Deng Changda, Chief of Security Section of the County Public Security Bureau, illegally raided the site... They beat, swore at and insulted the people at the scene without apparent reasons except to fight illegal Christian gatherings.... Finally, the police took away Li Zenggui, a local earthquake victim, and Christian volunteers Cao Gang.... They also seized Bibles, hymnals, televisions, motorcycles and many other items owned by the Christians. During the raid, the police refused to present documents to prove their actions were legal." That reminds me of Ohio's SWAT Team.
Children starved to coerce mom to renounce Christ: "Authorities in Egypt are starving children ages 2 and 4 to try to force their mother to abandon Christianity and return to Islam.... [She] also has been sexually assaulted by police officers.... Egypt is one of the nations where Islamic Shariah law is formally recognized as the source of justice, and Christians have faced persecution in the nation for generations. ...since Egypt's constitution concludes laws derive from the Quran, persecution of Christians is not only allowed but endorsed by the government. 'In the last 10 years, more than 5,000 Christians have been massacred in Egypt.'" See Risking her life to follow Jesus
China: Urgent Call for International Attention of Three Christians in Prison in Xinjiang: "Alimujiang Yimiti, a Christian from the Uyghur minority, has been in detention for since January 12, 2008 for preaching Christianity. ... [He] is highly respected in the prison and is praised by people there. He insists on his innocence and adheres to his Christian beliefs. ...it appears the case is being delayed indefinitely." See Persecution verses
November 2008
Nigeria. Six pastors killed, 40 churches razed in Jos violence: "The murderous rioting sparked by Muslim attacks on Christians and their property on Nov. 28-29 left six pastors dead, at least 500 other people killed and 40 churches destroyed, according to church leaders. More than 25,000 persons have been displaced.....What began as outrage over suspected vote fraud in local elections quickly hit the religious fault line... as angry Muslims took aim at Christian sites rather than at political targets. ...Yari died helping other Christians who repelled Muslim fanatics bent on burning down his church building." See Lawlessness
India. Going rate to kill pastor: $250 Rewards offered for murdering Christians, destroying homes, churches: "Hindu extremist groups are offering money, food and alcohol to anyone who murders Christians and destroys their homes. The violence is nothing new in Orissa, India, where India's Communist Party estimates that more than 500 Christians have been killed by Hindu mobs in Orissa since late August.... But now the stakes are even higher – and pastors have a bounty on their heads." See Persecution
China.House Church Leader Zhu Baoguo Sentenced to “Re-education Through Labor”: "...a house church leader in Henan province, Pastor Zhu Baoguo, was sentenced to one year of 're-education through labor,' accused of being an 'evil cult' leader. On October 12, 2008 five church leaders were detained during a church gathering of about 20 people.... His family and church members have not been able to determine where he is being held. According to his family members, Pastor Zhu suffers from heart disease." See Please pray for him
India. Orissa, the drama of the refugees: forced conversion to Hinduism or more violence: "...Hindu fundamentalists are believed to have attacked six more villages.... Ashok Singhal, president of the VHP, is also demanding, under threat, an end to the activity of proselytism on the part of Christians in India, and a return to the practice of Hinduism on the part of those who have embraced Christianity...."
Somalia. Stoning victim 'begged for mercy': "...the victim was a 13-year-old girl who had been raped [by three men].... Numerous eye-witnesses say she was forced into a hole, buried up to her neck then pelted with stones until she died in front of more than 1,000 people.... The witness said people crowding round to see the execution said it was 'awful'. 'People were saying this was not good for Sharia law, this was not good for human rights....' But no-one tried to stop the Islamist officials.... He said one boy was shot in the confusion." See Human Nature
India. Christians brace for gang-rape, slaughter: "Christians who have been persecuted by Hindu militants in 12 Indian states could face more bloodshed after another Hindu activist, Rashtriya Swayamsevak, was reportedly shot dead by Maoists this week. India's Communist Party estimates that more than 500 Christians have been killed by Hindu mobs in Orissa, 12 times more than official government claims of only 40 homicides. One official said he personally authorized 'cremation of more than 200 bodies' found in jungles after Christians were blamed for the death of Hindu leader....
"Mission Network News estimates 5,000 Christian homes have been burned, 200 churches ruined, 10,000 people remain in government-operated refugee camps, and tens of thousands are living in forests – many seriously wounded....
"...Jaspina was told by neighbors, 'If you go on being Christian, we will burn your house and your children in front of you.' She and her family were forced to eat cow excrement to 'purify'" themselves of Christianity. Other Christians were doused with gasoline and told to participate in conversion ceremonies or be lit on fire." See Hope, Hate & Human Nature
India. Soldier Protecting Christians Mutilated, Killed in Orissa, India: "A paramilitary soldier assigned to protect Christians from Hindu violence in Kandhamal district, Orissa was mutilated and killed by a mob in Sisapanga village on Oct. 13. The body of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldier was recovered from a nearby forest. He was believed to have been hacked to death by tribal people in the wake of the worst anti-Christian violence in the history of modern India....
"...the chief minister of Orissa admitted that at least 10,000 people are still in government-run refugee camps, and that tens of thousands are in the forests or have migrated to towns outside Kandhamal. 'The government has admitted 40 dead, though we have details of 59 men and women mercilessly killed in the seven weeks of unabated mayhem,' he said....
"Christians have been forced to reconvert to Hinduism, burn Bibles and prayer books, have their heads shaved and drink cow urine (for Hindu purification)." See Prayer
October 2008
China. Persecution Intensifies After Olympics: "In Shandong province, Pastor Zhang Zhongxin was sentenced to two years of re-education through labor, and after the Olympics his appeal was denied. Pastor Zhang’s lawyer, Li Fangping, was refused permission to meet with him because authorities claim Pastor Zhang could endanger state security. ...29 house church leaders have been serving time in a labor camp and prisons in Henan province since July 9, 2007. They are accused of being 'evil cult' members." See When Iron Gates Yield
Somalia. Christian Aid worker beheaded for converting from Islam: "Anti-Christian violence spills into Kenya as Somali Muslims attack in Nairobi.... Five masked men emerged carrying guns, wielding Somali swords and dragging the handcuffed Mohammed. One pulled back Mohammed’s head, exposing his face as he scraped his sword against his short hair as if to sharpen it. Another recited the Quran.... Mohammed remained calm with an expressionless face, never uttering a word, said the eyewitness. As the chanting of 'Allah Akubar [God is greater]' rose to a crescendo, one of the militiamen twisted his head, allowing the other to slit his neck.... The video was later circulated secretly and sold in Somalia and in neighboring countries in what many see as a strategy to instill fear among those contemplating conversion from Islam to Christianity....
"Somali refugees to [Nairobi] Kenya include Nur Mohammed Hassan.... 'We are nowadays no better than our fellow Somali Christians inside Somalia who are killed like dogs when discovered to be Christians,' Mohammed Hassan said. '...The Muslims killed my sister in Mogadishu, and now they are planning to kill me and my family....Indeed the situation for the Muslim Christians in Kenya and Somalia is disastrous and horrifying – we are risking our lives for choosing to follow Christ.'" See They Gave Him Their Lives
Iraq: Church Leaders Plead for Help in Mosul: "Amid escalating violence against Christians, Iraqi church leaders have appealed directly to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki for increased efforts to curb the continuing attacks In Mosul. ... Church leaders said police efforts to curb violence were insufficient and more needed to be done to stabilize the city, from which an estimated 1,500 families have fled following recent killings of Christians." For background information, see "Seven Christians Killed in Mosul" -- and pray for God's peace and provision.
China: Son of Pastor Bike Zhang in critical condition after severe beating from PSB officials: "...the elder son of Pastor 'Bike' Zhang Mingxuan, was severely beaten by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials while at home with his mother, Xie Fenglan, in Beijing on October 16. ... PSB officers entered their residence and secured the exits before severely beating Zhang Jian with iron bars for 25 minutes. As Zhang Jian lay bleeding profusely, his mother called an ambulance, but the receptionist told her that a higher government authority gave a directive not to dispatch any ambulance to rescue her son because he is related to Pastor Bike Zhang. "Zhang Jian’s mother then called her younger son, Zhang Chuang, who rushed to the house where he was also beaten by the same authorities. After some time, a personal friend of the Zhang family was able to take Zhang Jian to the Beijing Min Hang (Aviation) Hospital emergency room where Zhang Jian remains now. His doctor said Zhang Jian’s right eye may lose sight forever because of the severe damage resulting from the repeated beating.
"Pastor Bike Zhang... is currently unable to be contacted. It is assumed that he has been detained by authorities. Pastor Bike Zhang’s wife, Xie Fenglan, was kicked out of her legally rented apartment... after her elder son Zhang Jian was sent to the hospital. The family’s furniture was thrown into the street. Government authorities ordered all hotels in Beijing not host her....
"The brutal and unprovoked assaults on innocent civilians are acts of desperation and cowardice of a regime that has continued to ignore basic human rights and freedoms despite outcries from the international community. These reprehensible acts by the Chinese government should serve as a reminder to the international community that the Communist Party of China is only interested in self-preservation and will gladly sacrifice its own citizens’ freedoms in order to maintain its corrupt power.
"During the past 22 years, Pastor Bike and his family members have been arrested, beaten and evicted from their home numerous times because of their Christian faith, yet he and his family continue to serve the house church Christians in Beijing."
September 2008
Christians continue to be terrorized by Hindu militants in Orissa, India: "Relief camps in Orissa have been targeted by militants attempting to poison water supplies. Six Christians became ill in a relief camp in the town of Raikia after drinking poisoned water and there have been reports of similar attempts in other state camps. Several reports of Christians being threatened with violence if they refuse to convert to Hinduism have also been received. As members of one Body, please remember India's Christians in your prayers." See Plight of Christians in Orissa
Christian family attacked and three killed in Mexico: "Three Christians in... Chiapas, Mexico were recently brutally killed by a neighbour....Antonio Gomez blamed his Christian neighbour, Pedro Gomez Diaz and family, for his 11-year-old daughter's stomach ailment and accused the Christian family of practicing witchcraft. After midnight on August 23, Gomez and seven of his friends entered the home of the Christian family and attacked them with machetes. Pedro, his wife Marcela and their oldest son, Rene were hacked to death. Six of the other Diaz children were seriously wounded.... Pray for the surviving Diaz family.... Ask God to give them comfort in knowing that Christ is victorious over death." See Persecution
Message from Orissa [India]: "God is in Control": "Juria Bardhan, Gospel for Asia's state leader in Orissa, India, knows what it's like to be hunted by anti-Christian extremists bent on killing him. During the past two weeks, he has seen dozens of churches burned to the ground. He has seen missionaries and Christians beaten and killed. But during all these horrific attacks, Juria has had one thought. 'We know the Lord is in control,' Juria said....
"The encouraging thing is that the attackers themselves acknowledge that Orissa used to be only 2 percent Christian, and now it's 28 percent Christian,' Juria said. 'They don't understand that by doing this, the church will grow by leaps and bounds, and this will cause thousands to come to Christ."
See Suffering with Jesus
Compare such vibrant faith with America's willingness to trade our wonderful Father for today's most popular female deity -- the female god in
The Shack. Remember, ancient Israel thought it was perfectly all right to turn from their mighty Lord to Canaanite goddesses! So God' withdrew His protection, and they were conquered and exiled from their land. See America's Spiritual SlideINDIA: Maoists say they killed Hindu leader: "Still blaming Christians for assassination, Hindu fanatics continue attacks.... A Maoist group today claimed responsibility for killing Hindu extremist leader Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his disciples in Orissa state on August 23, saying that fanatical Hindus’ claims that Christians murdered him were 'lies.' The violence that has claimed the lives of least 36 people, most of them Christians, and destroyed hundreds of churches and homes continued over the weekend as Hindu extremists continued to blame Christians for the killing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council or VHP) leader. .. Indo-Asian News Service reported today that the violence had spread to three more districts of Orissa." See Persecution
August 2008
ERITREA – Students Imprisoned in Shipping Container, [1,500] Bibles Burned: "Eight male students to whom God gave boldness to speak against the burning of the Bibles have been taken into custody in one of the metal containers that the military uses as prison cells for Christians ... which are extremely hot during the day and cold during night. Nearly 1,800 Eritrean Christians are believed to be under arrest because of their religious beliefs, held in police stations, military camps and prisons in 12 known locations across Eritrea. It is believed more than 28 clergymen are being held. Jailed Christians are routinely subjected to physical beatings and severe psychological pressure to deny their religious beliefs.
"Police and military authorities continue to demand the prisoners return to one of the three 'official' Christian denominations [Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran] recognized by the government."
Just as in China! See Persecution & One World, One Dream - But what about Truth & Freedom?
Pastor Attacked, Churches Burned in Wake of Swami's Death: "...Christians are fleeing for their lives in India's Orissa state in the wake of the murder of a leading anti-Christian activist leader.... Swami Laxmananand Saraswati, a top leader of the VHP (World Hindu Council), was killed in an attack by 20 men, suspected of being Maoist rebels.... While Maost rebels are the major suspects, Hindu radicals are using the death as an excuse to increase their attacks on Christians in Orissa. The swami was an outspoken critic of tribals and lower caste Indians becoming Christians.... The swami's ultimate goal was to have India declared a 'Hindu nation'..." See Persecution
China plans crackdown on house church leaders and human rights: "At the height of the Beijing Olympics news has emerged of a secret directive heralding a nationwide campaign to crack down on four groups considered to be 'unstable social elements' by the Chinese authorities. According to a report from China Aid Association (CAA) the directive, issued by the Political and Legal Committee of the Central Committee of the CPC, targets house church leaders, petitioners [see next link], human rights defenders and political dissidents. It was issued to all law enforcement agents and bodies, and follows a speech on June 16 by Mr Zhou Yongkang, head of the Political and Legal Committee of the CPC calling for 'extraordinary measures' to be taken against unstable elements in China." See Brainwashing & "Education Reform"
Somali Christian shot and killed: "Twenty-eight-year-old Sayid Ali Sheik Luqman Hussein came to Christ from Islam in 2004 and had actively evangelized in the community in which he was working as a teacher. ...on July 8, two Muslim men approached Mr. Hussein and asked him if he faces Mecca when he prays. Hussein told them that, as a Christian, he does not have to face a specific direction to pray because God is omnipresent. The two Muslim men returned on July 10 armed with an AK-47 assault rifle and a semi-automatic handgun and shot Hussein to death. Hussein's wife went into premature labour and delivered a stillborn baby upon hearing of her husband's murder."
Please pray that God strengthen and comfort her -- and bring the murderers to repentance. Then read about the chaos in Somalia HERE
Persecution News - Somalia: "Somalia gained independence in 1960 with the union of British and Italian colonies. In 1969 General Siad Barre seized power and exploited clan rivalries to maintain control until he was finally deposed in January 1991. Since then, there has been no central government, with power claimed by guerrilla groups and militias based on traditional ethnic and clan loyalties. The country is considered the most lawless nation in the world. In June 2006, a coalition of Islamic groups referred to as the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) took control of the capital, Mogadishu, along with significant areas of the country. The ICU is intent on forced Sharia law on all Somalis....
"In many parts of the country, persecution of Christians is strong and many Christians have fled to neighbouring countries. A number of believers have been martyred, and others have been publicly named as targets for execution. However, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Christians in Somalia. Even the government has had to admit that the country is not entirely Muslim. There are entire families coming to Christ, and they are making a difference for Him in their country."
In the midst of threats and persecution, God's true Church grows stronger! See Victory in Christ
"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for "so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:10
July 2008
Christian Girls Kidnapped, Forcibly Converted by Muslims in
Pakistan: "Two preteen Christian girls, Saba Younis and Aneela Younis, were kidnapped by Muslims.... Two days later, the kidnappers filed for custody of them... stating that they had converted to Islam and that their father, Younis Masih, no longer had jurisdiction over them. ..they had been forcibly married to local Muslim men...." Let's pray for those hurting families. See Victory in ChristBELARUS: Baptism Banned, Pastor Fined: "The court verdict notes as evidence of wrongdoing that 'at meetings they read the Gospel, discuss questions of religious faith, sing songs and conduct religious rites.'.. All three communities point out that the state's actions violate the Belarusian Constitution." See Persecution
China: Hua Huiqi evicted: "Beijing activist and house church leader Hua Huiqi has been evicted from his home amid rumours that officials want to keep him away from next month’s Olympic Games. Public Security Bureau officers used a hammer to break into Hua’s rented flat and threw the family – including Hua’s 90-year-old father, Hua Zaichen – into the street with their furniture. Hua’s brother sustained serious injury to his eye after officials beat him.
"Hua’s elderly mother, Shuang Shuying, remains in Beijing’s women’s jail, serving a two-year sentence on disputed charges of ‘damaging government property’. Officials have told Hua she will be freed if he gives up his human rights work and church activities....
"Meanwhile, in Shandong, Pastor Zhang Zhongxin has been sentenced to two years’ ‘re-education through labour’ for taking part in ‘cult activities’... a wide range of church activities, from preaching to training." See When Iron Gates Yield
President of Chinese House Church Alliance forced to live on streets for meeting with American Congressional Delegation: "Pastor Bike Zhang, chairman of the Federation House Church and his wife, Xie Fenglan, were forced to leave their home in Chaoyang District by
Beijing PSB officials. The couple was able to find shelter in the home of a friend, Niu Bei until officials again found the home and forced the Zhangs to leave. Zhang and his wife were forced to move into a hotel. ... on July 14 Tongzhou PSB officials threatened the owner of the hotel to evict the couple or face incarceration. The couple then decided to find residence in Changping, but were stopped by police officials while on their way and taken to the Town Government office. Police proceeded to interrogate the couple... without food, drink, or rest. ... Xie Fenglan collapsed due to the stress of the torture but was not taken to the hospital until 11:00am. The couple was released... stopped at a local hotel ... officials again drove the couple out of the hotel.... Zhang begged the PSB officials to allow his sick wife to stay in the location and rest overnight. The officials rejected this plea...."When asked why the couple was being expelled from Beijing, officials responded, 'Because Bike Zhang met the Americans, and destroyed the harmony of the Beijing Olympic Games.'This egregious treatment of one of China’s most respected and well-loved house church leaders is... shocking..."
See PersecutionPastor Zhang Zhongxin Sentenced to Two Years Re-education through Labor: "Authorities accused him of cult participation in the 'the whole scope of the Church'... preaching the Gospel to the northwest, Tibet and other places for missionaries, and pioneers sermons." See Sharing the suffering of Jesus
June 2008
Christian Family Ostracized: "Jasveer Basu and his family are 'troublemakers and spoilers of unity,' according to their fellow villagers. How were they causing trouble? By choosing to follow Christ and tell others about him. Jasveer has served as a Gospel for Asia native missionary in Assam, India, and he was thrilled when his family recently decided to follow Christ. Jasveer's other relatives and many in the village where they live were not so happy. When they learned of the family's decision to follow Christ, they became hostile." The reaction sounds a little like UNESCO's Declaration on Religion
Father of Chinese American Girl Remains Detained in Beijing PSB Custody: "...a prominent house church leader and Christian publisher, Shi Weihan, has been held in detention for the past three months by the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau on the grounds that he is a 'dangerous religious element.'...Despite having held Mr. Shi beyond the time legally allowed, absent formal charges or a court hearing, the PSB still refuses to allow his family or attorney to see him. Claiming an ongoing investigation in what they are calling 'a complex case', they have managed to hold the owner of a legally registered Christian bookstore in an undisclosed location without giving any assurances that he is receiving his needed diabetic medicine." See Persecution
May 2008
China: 9 House Church Christians in Henan Detained for Helping Quake Victims: "...approximately 6 PSB and RAB officials disrupted the house church meeting and forcefully detained 7 of the participants. Police officials did not state the reason for the detention. During interrogation, police officials questioned the members as to who would be taking donations to the earthquake disaster area. One woman and her child were released, however the other 6 remain in detention under a charge of sending money to a disaster area in the name of a house church." See When Iron Gates Yield
Pastor Martyred in Jharkhand, India: [Scroll down to title] "Pastor Letaro Horo was killed by a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Hindu militant group in the village of Burju.... The militant, Durgan Mundu, invited Pastor Horo to his home to pray for healing for his family members. When Horo closed his eyes to pray, Mundu sliced his throat with an axe, killing him instantly. Pray that those who mourn for Pastor Horo will find strength, courage and peace in Christ. Pray that God will raise up other cross-bearing disciples to continue His work in India."
Education. Muslim threats force out disabled teacher with dog: "Hurd... reported a student threatened to kill his dog. He said the threat came from a Somali student who is Muslim. Minnesota has a large Somali population, mostly Muslim, and they have been involved in issues over their religion in the past.... Islam forbids its adherents from touching dogs.... 'The last time I checked this is the United States of America!!!!!'" See Tolerance as a Tool for Transformation
Persecution. Sri Lanka - Pastor Killed, Wife Seriously Injured in Attack: "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 2-year-old son who received a minor injury in the attack is also suffering from trauma.”
Christian Doctor Falsely Accused of Blasphemy in Pakistan: "Rafique shook the hands of his Muslim friends present but refused to shake Sardar's hand, saying, 'It's my insult to shake hand with a Christian.' Some weeks later, Rafique was angered when Sardar stopped him from setting up his shop stall in front of his clinic. He then filed a case against Sardar falsely accusing him of 'humiliating the prophet Muhammad.' When local Muslims heard of the charges, they used a loudspeaker to demand the killing of Dr. Sardar, calling him a "kaffir" (infidel). ... He has been detained in a local prison. His family has fled to an unknown location in fear of further violence. ... Pray for God to comfort and encourage Dr. Sardar.... Pray that his family will rely on the Lord to strengthen and protect them (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). Pray for Christians in Pakistan as they serve the Lord amidst severe opposition."