Persecution Blog

Police in Pakistan Beat Pregnant Christian, Husband for 3 Days

After reading the horrific story of this Christian couple who have been beaten, falsely accused and have almost lost their preborn infant, due to merciless beatings,  the verse of scripture that comes to mind is Matthew 5:11 - "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me."

Christ spoke these words in his most famous sermon, we refer to as the sermon on the mount.  And here in America if the situation described in this Compass Direct article were to happen, I cannot even begin to think of the outrage and media coverage that the couple would receive.  As a nation, we desire justice for those who are falsely accused, beaten without cause, arrested falsely and I know that the citizens of America would rally behind this couple, offer financial support and many prayers.

Sadly, the couple we're talking about though isn't in America.  Instead they are a Christian couple living in Pakistan under the majority religion of Islam, where Christians are frequently persecuted, falsely accused, sometimes murdered and often tortured for their belief and trust in Christ Jesus the Lord.

Yet, I am amazed and humbled by my suffering brothers and sisters in this story because their words reflect the condition of their hearts.  Even though this dear sister could still lose her preborn baby, she said,

“I begged them for mercy, pleading that I am five months pregnant, but they continued their merciless onslaught for over three hours,” she said. ‘They continued to try to force me to admit to the crime, even threatening that they would kill my baby, but I refused to confess a false allegation.”

The false allegation she is referring to is one saying that she was part of stealing from her employer some valuable jewelry.  Despite the police investigating her home and finding nothing, and also despite the fact that she had things also stolen from her employers home, she was deemed guilty.

You can read more details about what Salma Emmanuel, the woman who was beaten while pregnant and her husband Emmanuel Rasheed endured for their faith here.  Please keep them in your prayers, as well as their preborn baby.  They have both lost their jobs, as a result of this incident and are living with relatives.

 

On Sale Now! - Holiday Heroes Collection of Books

Now that Thanksgiving Day is behind us, as well as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I thought I would share with you an absolutely wonderful gift idea from our The Voice of the Martyrs bookstore.  Right now we have a wonderful three book collection called our Holiday Heroes Collection. 

This is a collection that includes one book about St. Valentine, a book about St. Nicholas and a book about St. Patrick.  If you purchased each of these books separately it would cost $42 but with our Holiday Heroes Collection the cost is only $30 - a savings of $12. 

These are not only gorgeously illustrated, but they also contain the history of these great men who suffered for their faith in Christ Jesus.  They are great for homeschoolers, your Sunday school class and for anyone who just loves a great book to read for enjoyment.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPIES TODAY!  And be someone's hero.

 

 

Persecution Podcast 92 - India, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka

If you missed our most recent Persecution Podcast, I really wanted to encourage you to check it out and take about 13 minutes to listen to it in its entirety.  Todd Nettleton and Dory give updates about what is happening in India, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.  Todd also gives a special update about the Call for Mercy petition campaign for Asia Bibi.  If you have not yet signed the petition, please visit http://www.callformercy.com and sign it today.

I would also like to ask those of you who Twitter and have a Facebook page, to share the Call for Mercy Petition with your followers.

Click here to read detailed prayer requests for India, Sri Lanka and Nigeria.

Click here to listen to the full podcast.

 

At Least 45 More Christians Killed in Nigeria

We have tragic news coming from our friends at Compass Direct concerning the slaughter of at least 45 more Christians in Northern Nigeria.  Please add Christians in Nigeria to your prayer list and pray for them often.  Pray for God's comfort as they grieve and for boldness to continue to stand strong in their faith.

Ethnic Fulanis crying ‘Allahu akbar!’ attack church, communities.

BARKIN LADI, Nigeria, November 28 (CDN) — Fulani Muslim herdsmen along with Muslim soldiers have killed at least 45 ethnic Berom Christians in Plateau state in the past week, Christians in this northern-central Nigerian town said.
 
Smaller attacks beginning on Nov. 20, reportedly over allegations by Fulani Muslims of cattle theft, preceded an attack on a Barkin Ladi church on Nov. 23 that killed four Christians, and an assault the next day left 35 Christians dead in Barkin Ladi and nearby Kwok village, according to area Christian leaders.
 
Church attendance was decimated yesterday as thousands of Christians have left the area.
 
“Christians are fleeing the town because we have no guns to fight back,” said one woman in a group of six Christians trying to leave Barkin Ladi. “Muslims have guns, and they have their soldiers fighting for them, so we have no choice but to leave town.”

Click here for the full story.
 

Iran Declares House Churches a Threat.

Iran (MNN) ― It seems that Iran's government is finally taking off the gloves.

According to a report from Iranian Christian News Agency, Mohabat News,  the Minister of Intelligence of Iran announced that house churches are a threat to youth.

Along with that comes an effort to  fight the growth of the house church movement in Iran.  Todd Nettleton of The Voice of the Martyrs says, "In the last year, we have seen a real change of tone in government reports in the speeches of leaders  there from basically ignoring the church  and ignoring the growth of the Church, to  now speaking out forcefully against the church and against people becoming Christians."

It seems that disillusionment has been growing since the Iranian Revolution.  The main body of protestors was young people, a fact that has not been lost on the religious leaders in the country.   That so many seem to be turning to Christ also has implications.  Nettleton explains, "They see Christianity as a tool of the West, to try to reach into Iran, to try to create a lack of stability, and ultimately, to try to undermine the government."

As such, it is likely that a strong government reaction is in the offing. "I think where they will go is really, where they are already headed. That's arresting Christians, arresting, particularly, leaders, those who are actively evangelizing, and those who are leading house church groups.  Those are the people they are locking up into prison."  

In spite of an expected crackdown, Nettleton remains optimistic.   The government can't silence everyone.  "When you talk about the growth of the Church in Iran, it's being fueled by the Gospel. It's being fueled by satellite television ministries, by other ministries who are providing Bibles and providing help into Iran. But, in the eyes of the Iranian government, this is all a tool of Western society to try to influence the direction of Iran."

Now that the Advent Season is upon us, the message of Christmas will be hard to erase, too. "This is a time where Christians are celebrating. It's a time where perhaps they are sharing the gospel, they're sharing the story of Christmas, so I don't think it's a surprise that the government would say 'Beware of this 'threat''."

Last year, on December 26, according to Mohabat News,  Iranian authorities raided both house churches and private homes of Christians and arrested hundreds of Christian converts.  This year,   it's believed that similar attacks are coming and will be more organized.  "We can pray", Nettleton urges, " that they'll (Christians) know how to answer the questions that they face from Iranian authorities. Secondly, I think we can pray for continued growth of the Church."

In the meantime, spiritual openness has created a hunger. "Voice of the Martyrs will respond by continuing to support the Church there, providing the tools that they request to spread the Gospel, and to disciple new believers and build the Church inside that country."

Pray the Body of Christ will continue to multiply and mature despite persecution. Pray the government will be open to change and allow full rights and protections.

SOURCE: Mission Network News

We Need 25 More Letters to Pastor Irani to Reach 1000 - Will You Write A Letter Today?

Tomorrow is the last day of November and we were hoping that we would have 1000 letters of support written to Pastor Irani by the end of the month.  We are so close to reaching our goal.  Last week we started with 894 letters that had already been written.  Today we're at 975 letters which have been written, leaving us only 25 more letters to write!  Will you be one of the twenty five people we need to write Pastor Behnam Irani a letter today?

Your letter of encouragement will not only encourage Pastor Irani who is in prison for his faith in Jesus Christ, but it also sends a message to his captors that we are aware of his suffering for Christ.

Please take five minutes right now to go over to our Prisoner Alert page and write our brother.  Your letter may make the difference between him being free or remaining in prison.

   Click here to visit Prisoner Alert and write him today.  It's very very easy.

Here is a more detailed information from our Prisoner Alert page.

Behnam Irani, a 41-year-old pastor from Kraj, Iran, was convicted of crimes against national security in January 2011 and sentenced to one year in prison. After voluntarily surrendering to authorities on May 31 to begin his sentence, he learned that he would be forced to serve five years in connection with a previous conviction.

Officers from the Ministry of Intelligence and National Security (MOIS) raided Irani’s house church on April 14, 2010, and assaulted him before taking him into custody. Although he was released on bail two months after his arrest, he later received the one-year prison sentence.

When Irani voluntarily began serving his sentence in May 2011, he was prepared to spend one year in prison. But he received a letter in October stating that he must now serve five years from his previous sentence.

Irani was first arrested in December 2006 and tried for crimes against national security. He was released in January 2007 but was soon re-arrested, tried and sentenced to five years in prison. Irani was never called to serve the sentence that is now being held against him.

Irani became a pastor in 2002, 10 years after becoming a Christian. Please pray for his wife and two children as they wait for him to return home.

You may also write a letter of encouragement to Pastor Irani to let him know you are praying for him. Please do not speak negatively of the Iranian government in your letter or mention the name of the organization that provided this information.

 

Thank you for taking the time to write Pastor Irani today.  Please click here to write him via our Prisoner Alert page.  Thank you.

The Extraordinary Love of God

One of my favorite things in the whole world is hearing testimonies from believers that have endured suffering for Christ Jesus.  I'm always inspired because I see the power of God working in their lives for His glory and His glory alone.  This is why I like to highlight a devotional thought every week from the book Extreme Devotion.  As we begin this Monday, let's focus on the awesome love of Jesus who came to save us all from our filthy sin.

 

I meditate here on the words of Jesus: “that whoever believes in him shall . . . have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

I am among criminals. It is an understatement that men can become like animals. Animals are without sin. But the men surrounding me in jail reach depths of devilish darkness unreachable for animals.

It would be easier to live in a stable than among these criminals. Every word of theirs is filthy, every gesture repugnant. “Their throats are open graves. . . .
Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
(Romans 3:13–14)

But against this background shines the extraordinary love of God. For it is true that whosoever believes—even men like these—can have eternal life. God sent me to prison to bring them this Good News.

A LETTER FROM A RUSSIAN CHRISTIAN PRISONER

Victory! Pakistan Rescinds Ban on Jesus Christ

A few days ago we shared with you a report from Mission Network News, where Todd Nettleton from The Voice of the Martyrs commented about a recent ban on the name of Jesus Christ in Pakistan. The gist of the commentary was that Pakistan had banned the use of the name of Jesus Christ in their texting, but no one was completely sure what the real reason was, leading to questions speculating about whether it is an issue of religious freedom.

Today, after much international press on the issue, Catholic Culture, as well as CathNewsIndia are now reporting that the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority has decided, at a minimum, to delay the ban on the use of the name Jesus Christ.

Telecommunications Authority (PTA) decided this week to delay a proposed ban on 1,695 English and Urdu words deemed to be obscene, a list of which words was issued last week, among them the name Jesus Christ.

“[The PTA] was under immense pressure and now denies any involvement in the selection [of the words]. The blow to religious freedom has now been averted,” said Bishop Sebastian Shah of Lahore archdiocese.

Christian politicians, clergy and some Muslim clerics had condemned the move as a blow to interfaith harmony.

Please keep Christians in Pakistan in your prayers.  Thank you!

Provide Christmas Blessings for Christians in North Africa

Some of you may have not received the special email that went out yesterday about a new ministry opportunity we have for you to partner in.  This is from Tom White who is the Executive Director of The Voice of the Martyrs.

Dear Friend,
Christmas time is often a dangerous period for Christians who live in hostile areas. But thanks to your generosity, The Voice of the Martyrs can help persecuted Christians at Christmas time and throughout the year. As we prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth, let's also remember those around the world who are persecuted for their faith in him. Join us in praying for them and fellowshipping with them this holiday season.
One way you can encourage persecuted Christians this Christmas is by sponsoring a Christmas Care Pack or Village Outreach Pack through The Voice of the Martyrs.
Since the Arab Spring uprisings that began a year ago and spread throughout the Arab world, attacks on Christians and churches have increased across North Africa. You can help thousands of Christians across North Africa by supporting VOM's 2011 Christmas Care project.
For a gift of $25, you can sponsor a Christmas Care Pack for a North African child who lives in an area where Christians are persecuted. Each pack includes items such as clothing, toiletries and school supplies as well as a gospel storybook to help encourage children in their faith. You can also help North African evangelists spread the gospel throughout the region by sponsoring a Village Outreach Pack. Your gift of $75 will provide church leaders with a small library of gospel materials.
CLICK HERE to support this vital ministry effort.
I know that you will join me in praying for our persecuted family this Christmas. Pray for God's protection over them, and pray that they may know his love in deep and significant ways during this season.
For those in bonds, Tom White Executive Director

VOM-USA Prayer Update for November 25, 2011

We hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving with your families.  It's always wonderful to be able to spend a day focused on giving thanks to the Lord who gave us all things.  Today, will you please remember the following prayer requests as you spend time in prayer.  Please also take them to your church and share them and also your Facebook page and Twitter accounts.  The more people that pray the better.

West Bank--Christian Church Fears Shut Down by Palestinian Authority
Source: VOM Contacts

John 10:10

The leaders of First Baptist Church in Bethlehem are becoming increasingly concerned by growing antagonism against them by the Palestinian Authority. First Baptist Church has operated in Muslim-dominated Bethlehem for more than 30 years, and its leaders are no strangers to persecution. The church has been bombed fourteen times and senior pastor Naim Khoury has been shot at several times. This community opposition seems small compared to what the thriving church of 300 now faces. The ruling Palestinian Authority is trying to shut down the church by refusing to recognize it. This position has severe consequences for church members: Parents can't obtain birth certificates for babies, couples who want to marry cannot get a license, and church members have extreme difficulty in finding employment. Currently, about 70 percent of the congregation is unemployed. A member of a delegation who recently visited the church said, "The intent is obvious: to drive people away from churches in the very city that gave birth to the hope-filled, life-changing message of Jesus Christ." Please pray for the leaders and members of First Baptist Church.

China--Beijing Church's Standoff with Authorities in Reaches Week 32
Source: China Aid Association

Lamentations 3:22

One of China's largest house church groups continues to meet in an outdoor space for worship, in spite a months-long campaign by police to deter them. On Nov. 13, Shouwang Church of Beijing attempted to assemble its members for worship in an outdoor shopping plaza for the 32nd time in as many weeks. The standoff began after the unregistered church was repeatedly forced from indoor meeting spaces and began meeting outdoors in protest. According to information published by the church, at least 27 people headed for the service were arrested, either at the meeting spot or en route. One was sent home, but the remaining 26 believers were taken to 12 different police stations around the city. Fifteen of the arrested were released by midnight that night, while the rest were released slowly throughout the night. The last person was released 48 hours after being arrested. As always, church members waited outside police stations with food and clothing for the detained despite freezing winter temperatures. "We especially give thanks to our God for them; they witnessed the love of being members to each other in the body of Christ. We give thanks to our Lord, for he keeps us and protects us," church leadership wrote in a statement. Thank God for the church's faithfulness, and pray they will be able to meet freely soon.

Iran--Resolution Soon for Youcef Nadarkhani?
Sources: Compass Direct, VOM Sources

2 Timothy 4:7-9

Sources indicate that an Iranian court may make a final ruling in the case of house church pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. Nadarkhani has spent the last 25 months imprisoned in Rasht, Iran, convicted of apostasy for leaving Islam. The standard penalty for this crime is death. A Rasht court was due to make a final decision on his case in September, but instead sent the case on to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. During his trial, the court gave Nadarkhani three opportunities to recant his faith, but he repeatedly refused. Sources close to Nadarkhani indicated that he has undergone physical and psychological torture and that authorities have continued to pressure him to recant. Pray for the upcoming verdict in his trial.