Persecution Blog

The Empty Cross: The False Doctrine of China's Official Church

Many of us love China and pray for Christians in China on a regular basis. Right now I have two friends from my home church who just left California a few weeks ago, and are now in China ministering as missionaries where the Lord is leading them in China.  China is near to my heart and her Christian population is also, which is why I'd like to share with you this white paper which will help you understand the state of the church in China.

This document details the status of the Christian church in China. Below is an excerpt from the introduction of the book:

The following information is provided in this document: background information about Christianity in China, and the communist government and its influence on the official church. Also presented is an assessment of the current church situation in China as analyzed by 20 Chinese Christian intellectuals. Evidence is provided to demonstrate how the Chinese government has purposely separated the most basic tenants of Christianity from the official church. In doing so, the cross which held the Savior is stripped of power. The government has stolen the ability to have faith, the promise of the resurrection and the hope of salvation from the official church. What is left is an empty cross of false doctrine with the Communist Party as the head of the church, rather than the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Click here to download this PDF

Thank you all for your prayers for all in China.

Christian Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani Faces Potential Execution As Early As Tomorrow!

  As many of you know, we've been following the story of Christian Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani for quite some time. We've invited you to write him via our Prisoner Alert program, and many of you have.  We thank you and please ask again that you take time to pray for him and his family right now, today.

According to an interview with a close friend of Pastor Yousef, which aired on Jordan Sekulow's radio program today,  Yousef  could be executed as early as tomorrow.  Click here to listen to that short radio interview.

The Washington Post has a vital report on Pastor Yousef's situation, with a comparison to the American hostages that were released from Evin Prison just this past week.  You may read the full Washington Post article here.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has reported on Pastor Yousef refusing to recant his faith in Jesus Christ, while on trial.  Yousef knows that his refusal to recant his faith could lead to his death.  Please read that report here.

Pastor Yousef has been imprisoned for over 700 days and was arrested for protesting and apostasy and evangelizing Muslims.

Pleases pray for Pastor Yousef and  his family today.  

NIGERIA: Attacks in Plateau State

Muslim extremists carried out new attacks on villages in Nigeria’s Plateau state in September, killing more than 100 Christians, including entire families, according to Compass Direct News.

On Sept. 10, 2011, Muslim extremists stormed Vwang Fwil village at 3 a.m., killing 13 Christians. Attackers killed 14 more Christians, including one pregnant woman, when they attacked the Christian community of Vwang Kogot on Sept. 9. And on Sept. 8, 10 Christians from one family were killed in an attack on Tsohom Foron village.

Compass Direct reports that some of the attackers were wearing Nigerian Army military uniforms. “What is the government doing about the soldiers?” asked Dachung Dagai, a pastor of a Nigerian church. “In some places, enough evidence has been found against these Muslim soldiers and nothing has been done. The government officials have always said they will look into the problems, but nothing has been done.”

In another attack, on Aug. 21, Muslim extremists entered Fadiya Bakut village and attacked Andre Allahmagani’s home. They killed his 10-year-old son and injured his 70-year-old mother. Allahmagani told Compass Direct News that the assailants were armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.

“This is becoming too much to bear,” said Emmanuel Dachollom Loman, chairman of the Barkin Ladi Local Government Council. “The government should help us before Muslims come and wipe out all of us one day.”

According to Release International, the recent violence broke out after a number of Muslims moved into the largely Christian area to celebrate the Islamic religious festival Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan.

Please pray for Christians in Nigeria’s Plateau state as they continue to face daily dangers.

Sources: Compass Direct News, Release International

 

Lao Officials Seize Church Building, Convert It into School

Christians living in Laos, which is one of The Voice of the Martyrs highlighted restricted nations with about two persecent of the population Christian and the remainder Buddhist, are living under difficult situations with a Communist government.  The following is from our partners in ministry to the persecuted church, Compass Direct.

There are many issues mentioned about the persecution of our brothers and sisters in this piece - first, Christians are being evicted from their homes, second - Christians are told to get a permit for their churches, only to be then denied said permits and third - Christians are afforded the opportunity of freedom of worship in Laos, however government officials turn them down for the permits they need.  And fourth, Christians in Laos often are told to renounce their faith or lose their jobs.

10 Christians evicted from homes in another village, while those in Katin ordered to pay fines.

DUBLIN, September 26 (CDN) — Authorities in Laos forcibly confiscated a church building in Savannakhet Province on Sept. 14 due to lack of official permission; the church had not applied for a building permit as the country routinely denies such applications, sources said. Christians in Laos often do not risk applying for a building permit as it draws unwanted attention and can preempt any chance of building a simple structure, Christian sources said; authorities generally ignore a lack of building permit if religious groups cause no problems. 

Click here to read the full report.

IRAN: Government Takes Child

Agents of Iran’s intelligence ministry recently took a Christian couple’s adopted child, demanding that the couple file a complaint against other Christians being held in prison, according to Mohabat News. The couple was taken to the hospital because of emotional stress caused by the loss of their child. “This is the first time I have ever seen this tactic — taking a child hostage,” said a VOM contact. “In the past, it is always the parents.”

The Christian couple legally adopted their child after years of waiting, according to Mohabat News. Security officers reportedly took the child as a way to pressure the Christian family and other Christian converts. Mohabat News reports that the security agents threatened the couple, saying, “If you want your child back, you must file a complaint against your fellow Christians in prison.”

Within the past year, Christians have been arrested, falsely charged and imprisoned for extensive periods of time. House and church raids are common occurrences, and the Christian community faces continual threats and pressure. Please pray that this Christian couple will get their child back soon and that they will rely on God during this time of extreme emotional stress.

Source: Mohabat News

 

He Used to Persecute Christians

Normally on Monday I share with you a devotion from the book Extreme Devotion, but today I wanted to share with you a few thoughts that I have had recently about persecution instead.

For over six years now, I have had the opportunity to write this blog for The Voice of the Martyrs.  When I first started I can honestly say that I really had no clue the amount of persecution that was happening worldwide. Now, six years later, there are days that I wish I could say that I had no clue about the persecution that is happening to Christians worldwide.  There is some truth to that old adage, "ignorance is bliss".

However, when it comes down to it, I'm glad that the Lord was merciful to me, a sinner, and opened my eyes even more to the wickedness of sinners towards Him and His children.  And I wanted to share with you the reason why I will never stop praying for the persecuted church and those who persecute the church.

There's one story about a man who persecuted Christians that I have never forgotten.  This man's testimony and his life has impacted me more than any other Christian, and the reason is that his story was written down and preserved for all to read.

I'm talking about Saul.  In Acts chapters 8 and 9  we read the story of Saul.  He was a persecutor of the church.  He even was in hearty agreement with putting Stephen to death, our first New Testament martyr.

But something happened to Saul that gives me hope when I read about people today who are persecuting Christians -  Saul had an encounter with Jesus Christ that changed him from the inside out.

Before Christ, Saul is said to have ravaged the church and he put countless Christians in prison.  After he received Christ, Saul, who the Lord renamed Paul, spent countless days in prison for His faith in Christ.

In fact, when you think about it, if it wasn't for the persecution of Saul (as Paul) after his conversion to Christ, we wouldn't have most of the New Testament.  Since we know from scripture that Paul wrote most of it while he was in prison.

So the next time you may feel overwhelmed with all the news of Christians being persecuted, remember the holy book you have the blessing of owning, was written, in part, by one man who used to persecute Christians.  If that isn't a testimony of the power of Christ, I am not sure what is.

Pray today for persecuted Christians worldwide and go back and read Acts chapters 8 and 9 and see the story of the one persecuted Christian who has impacted my life more than anyone.

Behind the Screams

Like many Americans, I followed the story of Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer with interest over the past couple of weeks. They spent the last two years experiencing something few of us ever will.

The two American hikers spent more than two years imprisoned in the Islamic Republic of Iran after being accused of espionage. They insist they are innocent and were held hostage simply because of their nationality. They arrived in New York on Sunday, greeted by family members and the press.

I praise God that they are released. No one should be treated as these two men were.

When they were first arrested, Fattal and Bauer spent three months in solitary confinement before being locked in an 8-by-13-foot cell together. Just last month, they were given a trial behind closed doors. The two hikers told Reuters that the case against them was a “total sham.” They said that even though no evidence was presented against them, they were still sentenced to eight years in prison.

As soon as I thank God for Fattal’s and Bauer’s safety and release, the Holy Spirit triggers something deep within me. Something I read in a Reuters news article increased my distress.

“Many times, too many times, we heard the screams of other prisoners being beaten and there was nothing we could do to help them,” Fattal said. “Solitary confinement was the worst experience of our lives.”

I have no idea whose faces are behind the screams that now haunt these men. I don’t know the specifics of the situation, but I do know that Iranian Christians are imprisoned throughout the country.

Those screams could have come from Youcef Nadarkhani, the 34-year-old pastor who has been in prison since October 2009 (http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_214_profile.html?_nc=48700ebfb6bdacb8240bbfa865cf6017).

Those screams could have come from your Christian family members, dear brothers and sisters.

Despite their horrific treatment, Fattal and Bauer were at an advantage. Entire nations and media industries monitored their case. After they were placed in a cell together, Fattal and Bauer spent time reading and testing each other on various topics. They were allowed a short time in an outside room for daily exercise. During their 781 days in jail, they talked with their families on the phone for 15 minutes, and their mothers were allowed to visit them once.

The Iranian government wanted to keep them healthy. When Fattal and Bauer staged repeated hunger strikes because they couldn’t receive letters from their families, they were successful. These two men were taken care of because world media and multiple governments carefully monitored their case.

It still took two years for them to be released, at the cost of $1 million bail.

Unlike Fattal and Bauer, few monitor the cases of imprisoned Christians in Iran. If two American hikers experienced this kind of treatment, what do Iranian Christians experience? They are at the mercy of their captors.

Many Christians probably remain in solitary confinement, never given the opportunity to exercise, and they would likely be mocked if they tried a hunger strike. After reading about Fattal and Bauer, everything inside me cries at the thought of what is happening to imprisoned Christians right now. They probably never see their families, and I highly doubt that they are given a Bible to read.

They are screaming. They are hurting. And I sit here, writing a blog.

“It is the Iranian people who bear the brunt of this government’s cruelty and disregard for human rights,” Bauer said.

Bauer told Reuters that he could not forgive the Iranian government when it continues to imprison other innocent people. In contrast, our Iranian brothers and sisters in Christ are routinely imprisoned and denied basic human rights. They are taken away from their families, and yet they continue to forgive their persecutors. Christ often gives Christians a power to do something they never thought they could do — forgive.

Reports indicate that persecution of Christians in Iran is increasing. Please pray for the Christians still imprisoned in Iran and for their Iranian captors. Our hearts should go out to those who show no love to our family or us. We must pray that God’s love breaks down these incredible walls of violence and injustice. Also pray for Bauer and Fattal, that they would experience the peace that Christ offers us through forgiveness.

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

If you're like me, then maybe your week has been hectic and filled with challenges. We all know what that is like, especially as followers of Christ. This week we have shared some tremendous stories of persecution that are happening to our family in the Lord, so today I wanted to offer up this song of encouragement to you.

May we all remember that our faith in Jesus Christ and the gift of a relationship with HIM, is only because of HIS amazing grace. May the Lord bless you with His comfort and His love all the days of your life.

Persecution Podcast Episode 84 - Richard Wurmbrand

On this weeks Persecution Podcast we have something very special to share with you.  Tom White and Merv White take time to share their memories of Richard.  You will be touched as you listen, and this is a great show to share with your friends.

Countries highlighted for prayer this week include  Iran, Bhutan, and Uzbekistan.  Click here to listen to this weeks Persecution Podcast.

VOM-USA Prayer Update for September 23, 2011

I hope you all have had a wonderful week and I would ask for your prayers for the following weekly prayer requests we have to share with you today.  Thank you all for being so faithful in your prayers.

Iran—Believers Sentenced to Prison
VOM Contacts, Elam Ministries

2 Corinthians 10:15

Five Christians who were released from custody on bail more than a year ago have been sentenced to prison. Behrooz Sadegh Khanjani, Parviz Khalaj, Mehdi Foorootan, Mohammad Biliad and Nazli Makarian were arrested in early 2010 but had been released on bail pending sentencing. Last week, the five were ordered to report to a court in Shiraz to begin serving one-year sentences for threatening the security of the republic. One of the believers, Nazli Makarian, is pregnant; if authorities force her to serve her entire sentence, her child will be born in prison. Pray for these five believers who are facing a year in prison. Ask God to give them strength and endurance. Also pray that Christians in Iran will have a supernatural love for authorities and be faithful witnesses of God’s grace.

Bhutan—Leader Opposes Evangelism
Compass Direct News

2 Thessalonians 1:3

Bhutan’s prime minister recently told Compass Direct News that Christians should not seek to induce others to join their faith and that such actions constitute “the worst form of discrimination.” Reflecting what appears to be the prevailing view of Christians in Bhutan, Prime Minister Jigmi Yoser Thinley said Christians often try to convert Bhutanese citizens with the power of money and an attitude of spiritual superiority. A Christian leader denied these accusations, saying, “No evidence of such allegations has come to our knowledge.” He added that Christian leaders would never defend anyone who indulged in unethical conversions. Christians in this Buddhist nation have long hoped for official government recognition, but this now seems unlikely. A government minister said there was “no legal provision for that” in the constitution. Pray that Christians in Bhutan will continue to grow in faith, even though they are an extreme minority. Pray that their love for others will change the attitudes of those around them.

Uzbekistan—Believer Banned from Travel
Forum 18

Ephesians 6:11

A Christian woman traveling to Russia was removed from a train recently after a routine passport check revealed that she had been banned from leaving Uzbekistan. Authorities removed Lidiya Guseva, of Tashkent, from the train when they learned that she had been fined seven months earlier for bringing “illegal” Christian magazines into the country, a conviction that was overturned on appeal. Cancellation of the exit ban was apparently not communicated to bailiffs after the conviction was overturned, and Lidiya’s name remained on the list of those banned from travel. Lidiya was forced to forfeit her train tickets and take a taxi home in the middle of the night. She is asking the court to reimburse her for expenses, but the court has refused her requests. The U.S. State Department recently singled out Uzbekistan as one of the worst violators of religious freedom, in part because of its legal prohibition of “proselytizing.” Pray for Christians in Uzbekistan, who face increasing pressure from authorities. Pray that they will treat their oppressors with meekness and humility.