Persecution Blog

Police Raid House Church in Xinjiang, Detain 70 Christians

The following news is from our friends at China Aid who monitor what is happening with Christians being persecuted in China.  Please pray for China today and all of the Christians who are living under their communist government.

(Aksu, Xinjiang—March 20, 2012) A house church in far west China’s region of Xinjiang that has been meeting for nearly two decades was raided Sunday by police, who took more than 70 Christians into custody.

The incident happened at around 10 p.m. March 18 in a house church in Aral Shehri’s 12th Agricultural Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, in Aksu prefecture. The house church has been meeting for nearly 20 years, and more than 70 Christians were gathered at Pastor He Enjun’s home when suddenly more than 10 policemen and Domestic Security Protection agents burst into the room.

Announcing that the meeting was an “unapproved, illegal meeting,” they “order[ed] an immediate end to the meeting.” After forcing each Christian there to be photographed, they took them to the respective local police stations of their places of employment for questioning. Some were not released for two days.

The police also confiscated the Christian’s Bibles, hymnals, notebooks, Christian education DVDs, and other materials, but refused to provide a receipt for the confiscated items as required by law.

The pastor and his wife who were the hosts of the Sunday meeting were called into the local police station again on Monday night at about 10 p.m. for further questioning. They were threatened by the police, who ordered them to stop holding meetings in their home.

ChinaAid calls for an end to this gross interference into the religious freedom of the citizens of Xinjiang.

Media are encouraged to call:
Beat cop Yang Erjin—15599785551
Local police station—15599966663

Uzbekistan Tightens Grip on Unregistered Churches with Series of Raids

Uzbekistan (MNN) ― Uzbekistan has earned its spot as 7th on the Open Doors World Watch List for the persecuted church and is proving its keep.

Basic religious rights have been defied multiple times in Uzbekistan over the last couple of months. According to Forum 18, last month police raided an unregistered church and confiscated literature, pianos, and church property. A week later, the church pastor was fined $3,421 -- a cost of 100 times the minimum monthly wage.

Just a few days before the raid on the church, a woman's home was raided. She was fined 20 times the minimum monthly wage, and her Christian books were handed over to Samarakand Regional Muslim Board.

Just a couple of weeks later, a Baptist congregation in the southern town of Mubarek was raided and will be fined.

These types of raids are not new to Uzbek Christians, and especially not to members of unregistered churches. Alleged "expert analyses" are routinely used by authorities to confiscate religious material, Forum 18 reports.

The number of serious raids and fines that took place in recent weeks has some concerned. "It really does seem like Uzbekistan is beginning to step up its campaign against unregistered churches and groups of any kind," says Joel Griffith with Slavic Gospel Association. "Of course we're watching to see what kind of trickle-down this has on even the registered churches."

Griffith agrees that raids like this could be indicators of worse persecution to come. Already, pastors have been arrested all across Central Asia.

The number of basic rights that have been denied is disconcerting. Uzbekistan and surrounding, oppressive nations continue to bring concern to human rights watch groups.

Despite the influx of persecution and more likely to come, the church is standing strong. SGA has to be discrete about what they've seen, as far as church growth is concerned. But Griffith does say this: "You could look on a global perspective: typically, the more they try to stamp the church out, the more it grows."

Pray for boldness for church members, especially those who are younger. Griffith says many older members of the church remember well what it was like to live under the oppressive Soviet regime, but younger Uzbeks don't. Pray for church growth despite persecution.

Source: Mission Network News

50,935 People Waiting for a Bible

Today I would like to take the opportunity to encourage you to get involved with one of my favorite ministries of The Voice of the Martyrs - the Bibles Unbound program.

I remember when this program came out and how exciting it was to receive the sponsored bibles every month and have the opportunity to pray for those who were going to receive them.  That was six years ago, and Praise the Lord the program is still running strong.

 I often think of the people in  North Korea, China, Indonesia, Colombia, Egypt and India that my husband and I have sponsored bibles for, and I long for the day when we'll see the fruit of our labors for those who are suffering and lacking the word of God.

I really would like to encourage you to get involved in getting the bibles to the places and people who need them.  It's so easy and so inexpensive.  For only $30 a month you can send five bibles to someone in need.  That's it.

If you have a heart and a passion for God's word and you'd like to join me and thousands of others in sponsoring bibles for those who can't just get them through their local Christian bookstore, please consider joining Bibles Unbound.

Here's how Bibles Unbound works...

1.  Visit www.biblesunbound.com

2.  Choose an Operation to support. An Operation is a specific list of people in need of a Bible. More than one operation may be associated with one country/region. To choose the Featured Operation, click the "View Now" button. Alternately you can search for Operations by clicking on a Country/Region Name under Operations Search.

3.  From the Operations page, learn more about the area and a description of the specific operation. Select how many New Testaments you wish to give each month (multiples of five.) The cost is $6.00 each, which covers the cost of the New Testaments and the cost of shipping to the restricted nation.

4.  After placing your order you will receive a confirmation message by email. Shortly after the payment date you have chosen, your order will be processed and you will receive an email notification.

What is a Covert Operation?

See What's Happening

At any time you can return to the BiblesUnbound.com Website and logon to view the Operations Map. The Crosses will show where your New Testaments have been sent.

Once on the site, you can also learn about other Countries/Regions in need of the Word and other opportunities to participate.

Pretty cool isn't it?  I hope you think so.

Right now we have 50,935  bibles waiting to be sponsored.  Please join us today and make a difference.  Click here now to join Bibles Unbound.

Islamic Extremists Beat Young Christian Woman in India

The following story from Compass Direct is heartbreaking on so many levels.  However, it is also a testimony of one young woman's devotion and love for Christ, which is to be admired. 

Rekha Khatoon is a young 22 year old Christian woman, who said, "“I boldly told those who beat me up that I may leave my parents, but that I will not leave Jesus,” ... “Jesus has healed me, and I cannot forget Him.”

Amazing.

Please pray for Rekha as she continues her faithful witness to Jesus and those who know her.  Here's the rest of the story from Compass Direct.

Christian in West Bengal cast out of home for her faith.

NEW DELHI, March 20 (CDN) — A young woman was thrown out of her home this month for daring to give thanks for healing in Christ’s name in a predominantly Muslim village in India’s West Bengal state, and then her parents helped Islamic extremists to beat her nearly unconscious.

The attack on Rekha Khatoon, 22, took place on March 9 in Nutangram, Murshidabad.


“I boldly told those who beat me up that I may leave my parents, but that I will not leave Jesus,” Khatoon said. “Jesus has healed me, and I cannot forget Him.”


In a village where hard-line Muslims have threatened to kill the 25 families who initially showed interest in Christ, leaving only five frightened Christian families, Khatoon was returning from worship with Believers Church at Al Hamdulillah Hall when her parents and Muslim extremists attacked her, she said. They called her a pagan, among other verbal abuse.


The mob also harassed the Christian woman who encouraged Khatoon to trust Christ as Lord, Aimazan Bibi, said Bashir Pal, pastor and founder of the village Believers Church.

Full story here.

Turkey Named in Religious Rights Abuse Report

Today CBN News revealed the latest news concerning Christian persecution and religious abuse across the world. Sadly, Turkey has been added to the list of nations who are abusing human rights and allowing persecution of Christians.

Here's a snip from the CBN News piece: 

A new report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom shines the light on 16 nations for violating religious rights.

This year, Turkey joins the list of the worst violators, which includes Tajikistan, Myanmar, North Korea, Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Turkey was cited by the commission for "systematic and egregious limitations" on religious liberty.

Egypt, Nigeria, Iraq and Pakistan were noted for failing to stop attacks on religious minorities.

Please watch this short video report with Gary Lane who reported on this serious issue.

 

Help Us Write 12,000 Letters to Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

Our friends at the American Center for Law & Justice continue to stand on the frontlines in getting the word out about Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and his impending death sentence.  As a result, of the ACLJ's great work, now the Tweet for Youcef campaign has reached Brazil.

Help us to continue to put pressure on Iran and keep them aware that the world is watching what they do with Pastor Youcef.  Please write a letter to Pastor Youcef using our Prisoner Alert page.  Help us write 12,000 letters of support for Pastor Youcef.  It's easy and simple and you can write one letter, or numerous letters.  Please get your friends and family involved and your church Sunday school class or bible study.  Now is the time to stand with your brother.

CLICK HERE TO WRITE YOUR LETTER NOW

Please also pray for Pastor Youcef and his wife and children.  Ask the Lord for His good and perfect will to be done, for protection and comfort as they all endure this trial.

Controversy Over The Voice of the Martyrs VBS Materials Which Aim to Teach Children about Christian Persecution

Recently, The Voice of the Martyrs has presented the new Vacation Bible School materials through our Kids of Courage program, which was unveiled in 2011, and  aims to share the persecuted church with children.

However, some controversy has taken place because some are questioning whether or not sharing the plight of the persecuted church with small children is helpful or harmful.

Christianity Today has written a very fair article about the controversy, which you may read here.

There is also some discussion about this on our Kids of Courage website which you may read here.

The Voice of the Martyrs USA Media Director, Todd Nettleton says concerning the curriculum,

"Launched last year, the ministry's Kids of Courage curriculum "came about as a result of churches' desire and [our] desire to tell the story of persecuted Christians in an age-appropriate way," said media director Todd Nettleton."

Please pray for parents as they train up their children in the Word of the Lord and decide whether or not their child may benefit from learning about the persecuted church. 

 

The School of Jesus Christ

The mood was somber, almost harsh. The Lithuanian court was meeting to determine the sentence for Nijole Sadunaite. Her “crime,” like so many others’, was simply being a Christian in a Communist nation.

    Then the judge offered her a final chance to speak. He eagerly waited for the young woman to tearfully beg for mercy. Perhaps she would even renounce her ridiculous faith in God. Yet he was in for a surprise.
    

    There were no tears from Nijole. Her face shone, and a beautiful smile began to form. Her eyes held warmth, even for her accusers.
    

    “This is the happiest day of my life,” said the condemned woman. “I am on trial for the cause of truth and love toward men.”
    

    Now, every eye in the courtroom was on her. “I have an enviable fate, a glorious destiny. My condemnation here in this courtroom will be my ultimate triumph.”
    

    The passion in her voice was unmistakable. “I regret only that I have done so little for men. Let us love each other, and we will all be happy. Only the one who has no love will be sad.”
    

    She turned her attention away from the judge and peered into the eyes of other believers who watched the trial. “We must condemn evil, but we must love the man, even the one in error. This you can learn only at the school of Jesus Christ.”

When it comes to learning about those who have been persecuted for the sake of Christ, take notes. Class is in session. From the relative safety of our homes and communities, we may read the stories of Christian martyrs. We may even shudder as we turn the pages. However, are we ready to enroll in the school of Jesus Christ? Are we ready to study side by side with those who have walked the lonely path of oppression? We must apply what we learn from them about faith, love, holiness, and endurance. Only when we identify with the sufferings of Christ through the experiences of others can we truly call ourselves “Christians,” meaning “little Christs.” Only then will we be ready to pass the test.

Source: The best selling book Extreme Devotion which you may purchase in our The Voice of the Martyrs bookstore.

Palestine: Church Disapproved by PA

Officials from the Palestinian Authority (PA) have informed pastor Naim Khoury of Bethlehem’s First Baptist Church that his church lacks the authority to function as a religious institution under the PA. The church can still gather to pray for now, but the PA’s decision, conveyed on Saturday, March 10, will have a real effect on church members.

“They said that our legitimacy as a church from a governmental point of view is not approved,” said the pastor’s son, Steven, who serves as an assistant pastor at First Baptist. “They said they will not recognize any legal paperwork from our church. That includes birth certificates, wedding certificates and death certificates. Children are not even considered to be legitimate if they don’t have recognized paperwork.”

The irony, Steven said, is that the PA’s announcement comes right after the Christ at the Checkpoint Conference. The conference, which took place from March 5 through March 9, was a gathering of approximately 600 evangelical Protestants from across the globe (mostly from the United States) to discuss the theology of Christian Zionism, which some evangelicals believe increases the prospect of violence in the Middle East and gives support to Israeli policies that they do not like.

There is a sense among some Christians in Bethlehem that anti-Christian animus has increased in the city over the past few years. “People are always telling them, ‘Convert to Islam, convert to Islam; it’s the true and right religion,’” Steven said.

Steven said this is the second time the church has been told it is operating without PA approval. He said other churches in Bethlehem are left alone, suggesting that First Baptist’s love for both the Jewish and Arab people may have played a role in the PA’s decision. Prior to the PA, the church, which was founded in 1980, never had a problem with its paperwork. “We believe it’s people who don’t like what we’re doing and the message we offer,” Steven said.

The church’s message of reconciliation flies in the face of the propaganda that permeates Palestinian society. Steven said the Palestinian Authority needs to treat all sects with equality and respect their rights. “The First Baptist Church in Bethlehem has demonstrated its value to the community over the years and proven itself to be a law-abiding church,” he said.

Source: Charisma News, VOM Contacts

Nuns Traumatized after School Attack in Egypt

The following news is from our friends at Compass Direct.  Please pray for the nuns and the school involved in this horrific trauma.  Please also pray that those persecuting the church, would come to know the Lord Jesus and that they would see how much He loves them.

One hospitalized for breakdown after sword-wielding Muslims converge.

CAIRO, Egypt, March 16 (CDN) — Two nuns in Upper Egypt faced “unimaginable fear” – with one later hospitalized over the emotional trauma –when 1,500 Muslim villagers brandishing swords and knives trapped them inside a guesthouse last week and threatened to burn them out.


The next day, the assailants frightened children at the school; attendance has since dropped by more than a third.


Accusing the nuns of building a church at the site, the throng on March 4 chanted Islamic slogans as they surrounded the guesthouse of a privately run, public school in the village of Abu Al-Reesh, in Aswan Province. Two nuns, volunteer teachers at Notre Dame Language Schools, barricaded themselves into the school’s guesthouse for about eight hours.


The women were “terrified,” said Magdy Melad, director of the school.


“No matter what I say, I cannot give a picture of the fear and the worry they had,” Melad said.


School workers hid a third nun from the mob in a separate building on the campus out of fear that the mob would attack her as well. While two of the three nuns are Egyptian, one with a French name holds both Egyptian and French passports.


Conservative Muslims began milling around the school and accosting school employees at 2 p.m. on March 4. A group of men with swords stopped one employee and accused him of “building a church, and we are coming to attack the place,” the employee told Melad, who was at the scene of the attack.


“Huge numbers of people with swords, knives and daggers were gathering,” Melad said. “All that was in my head was that I was worried about the nuns. So I called and told them not to open the door and not to move until I came to get them.”


The Muslims tried to push their way into the building as the nuns kept calling for help. The door to the guesthouse is made of heavy reinforced metal, according to Melad, which prevented the building from being breached. Members of the mob ransacked the entire building, stealing security cameras, electrical equipment and a satellite dish on top of the guesthouse, among other items.


From three mosques near the school, people began shouting over loudspeakers in minarets, summoning more Muslims to surround the guesthouse.


“People of Abu Al-Reesh, get down [there] – the Christians are building a church and building a monastery,” the loudspeakers blared, according to Melad Kamel Garas, owner of the school. “The Christians took our ancestor’s land and are building a church.”

School workers tried to get the nuns out of the building, but the Muslims sent them away.
 

“When we tried to get them out, they refused to let them out, and they wanted to burn them alive in the guesthouse,” Garas said.


School employees called police, but initially only three officers showed up, according to Melad. The mob set upon them. Four more trucks arrived with reinforcements, but authorities were still unable to control the mob.

Full Story at Compass Direct