Persecution Blog

Indonesian Christians Face Deportation from US

A group of Indonesian Christians living in New Jersey are facing deportation from the United States.

The nine immigrants say they fled their home country because of persecution by Muslim extremists.

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world and there is a history of Muslim violence against Christians.

Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., introduced federal legislation that would allow them to renew their bids for asylum.

"These Indonesian families sought refuge in our country to keep their families safe from harm and religious persecution," Lautenberg said.

"America has a long history of protecting refugees from persecution and this legislation gives these families a chance to legally seek asylum and to continue contributing to our country," he said.

Four of the refugees have children who are U.S. citizens. They've taken refuge in the Reformed Church of Highland Park.

Source: CBN News

Pray for Christians in North Korea and the Evangelism that Is Taking Place Through Balloons

Earlier today on our The Voice of the Martyrs Facebook page we shared a little bit about how North Korea tells people that there is poison on the balloons that come into North Korea from South Korean.  North Korea is a restricted nation and persecutes Christians constantly.  Please pray for believers in North Korea and also for the efforts of the ministry of VOM that the balloons that are delivering the word of God will get into the hands of those who will cherish them.

If you haven't joined our Facebook page, please click here to join today.

Christians Arrested for Sharing the Gospel

Our friends at Compass Direct are sharing news about four Christians in Laos who were recently arrested for spreading the Christian faith without official approval.

What is interesting to me about this story, as a Christian in America, is that here in America we have the opportunity every day, as Christians, to spread our Christian faith, but the question I have is how many of us do?  In Laos, they need "official approval" to spread the gospel, and we see Christians being arrested for spreading the gospel, without getting that approval.  To me, that's interesting and also telling since the scriptures tell us that we must obey God, rather than man.  I hope you'll take some time to share the gospel today and also keep believers in Laos in your prayers.  Laos is a restricted nation.

Here's part of the Compass Direct story:

A resident of Phone Sampan village in Long district who witnessed Thai brothers Jonasa and Phanthakorn Wiwatdamrong explaining Bible passages to enquirers in a private home reported their presence to police. Police then raided the home, confiscating the brothers’ passports along with biblical literature and Christian CDs, according to HRWLRF.

The brothers, along with two local residents, one identified by the single name Chalar and the other as yet unidentified, were then arrested and taken directly to Luang Namtha provincial prison. Under normal procedure, detainees would be held in a village or district prison for 36 hours during a preliminary investigation before transferring to provincial facilities, according to HRWLRF.

Officials seem determined to eliminate Christianity from the province, local sources told HRWLRF. In one case, police on June 6 arrested a pastor identified by the single name Asa following reports that he had encouraged many people in Sing district to accept Christ. (See “Lao Police Arrest Pastor for Spreading Faith,” June 11.)

Please read the full story here.

Christians Nervous Under New President Mosri

Last week we asked you all to pray for the Coptic Christians in Egypt because of the elections that were taking place.  Now the new president elect, Mohamed Morsi, has given his acceptance speech, and made promises to the Christians.  Mission Network News has more details.

Egypt (MNN) ― He's only two days into his presidency, but Egypt's president elect Mohamed Morsi has already made some promises to Christians. The question now is whether it's possible for him to keep them.

The Muslim Brotherhood candidate was announced over the weekend to be the winner of Egypt's first democratic election. During his victory speech on Sunday, Morsi pledged to be "a president for all Egyptians," noting that Muslims and Christians both were vital to building Egypt.

If you have been following MNN's coverage of the Egyptian elections in the past few months though, you know that many believers in particular are skeptical and even frightened of a Muslim Brotherhood-run Egypt. Although Morsi says he is for women's rights and religious freedom, many are deeply concerned by the Brotherhood's decades-long agenda to overthrow the Egypt's past secular government.

So in reaction to Morsi's speech, Voice of the Martyrs' Todd Nettleton says, "Speeches are nice, but actions are better," says Nettleton.

"Christians now watch and see ok, he said nice words. Now what are his actions going to be?" Nettleton adds. "That's really what they're looking for: how are his actions going to reflect that? Are they going to reflect respect for the Christian community and respect for religious freedom? Or are they going to be hardline, Islamic, Muslim Brotherhood actions which would limit religious freedom and move Egypt more and more toward a Sharia state?"

Overall, says Nettleton, a lot of believers are not only skeptical that Morsi has a pro-Christian agenda, but, "Understandably they're nervous about what this means for their future as far as religious freedom, and as far as their ability not only to worship, but also to witness and serve Christ in Egypt."

Persecution in Egypt has been dreadful over the centuries. Egypt is the 15th worst country to be a Christian when it comes to persecution, according to the Open Doors World Watch List. Believers are nervous that a government led by a Muslim Brotherhood leader might only increase crackdowns on Christians.

In the midst of transition, says Nettleton, the Gospel will undoubtedly go forward as it has been doing. And it's too early to know how extreme or lax Morsi's regime will be. But Christians are holding their breath until actions start showing up.

There's much room for prayer. Pray for believers to have peace and calmness of spirit. Pray also for Morsi in the coming days as he picks his cabinet members.

"[Pray] that the people who will honor religious freedom -- the people who will understand that there is a large Christian community in Egypt that deserves to be protected and deserves to have rights -- that those type of people will get into positions of influence and positions of power."

Source: Mission Network News

If You Do Not Denouce Jesus, You Will Die on the Cross

“If you do not denounce this Jesus, you will die on the cross,” Governor Aegaeas fumed. This Christian had caused him personal embarrassment in the eyes of Rome by spreading Christianity throughout the governor’s Greek province and even to his own wife.

    “Had I feared the death of the cross, I should not have preached the majesty and glory of the Cross of Christ,” Andrew replied.

    “Then you shall have it! Crucify him!”

    As Andrew approached the X-shaped cross, he joyfully proclaimed, “O beloved cross! I rejoice to see you erected here. I come to you with a peaceful conscience and with cheerfulness, desiring that I, who am a disciple of him who hung on the cross, may be crucified. The nearer I come to the cross, the nearer I come to God.”

    Andrew hung, bound to the cross for three days, preaching and exhorting the people before him, “Remain steadfast in the Word and doctrine which you have received, instructing one another, that you may dwell with God in eternity, and receive the fruit of his promises.”
    

Andrew declared, “O Lord Jesus Christ! Don’t let your servant who hangs here on a tree for your name’s sake be released to live among men again; receive me into your kingdom.” Then, having finished his plea, he gave up his spirit to God.

Porcelain. Sterling silver. Twenty-four karat gold. Even platinum. The cross comes in a number of designs today. Jewelry. Wall hangings. Even rearview mirror décor. The ubiquitous cross. For all its popularity, however, how many Christians have stopped to consider what it means to display the cross? For one, the cross represents an instrument of torture—imagine having a gallows or electric chair on display in your home! The cross reminds us that Christ died a painful death. Beyond that, it represents a bridge that spans over the sin that once separated God and his people. Jesus brought us back to God through the Cross. Right now, consider what meaning the Cross holds for you.

Source: Extreme Devotion - You can buy a copy of this great book at our bookstore http://www.vombooks.com

Christians Already Leaving Egypt

Egypt (MNN) ― Protesters are already in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt. Egypt's Presidential Election Commission announced yesterday they are delaying the results of this week's presidential election indefinitely. The commission says they're investigating election irregularities. Egyptians are in Tahrir Square demanding the results be released.

Rody Rodeheaver, President of IN Network USA, describes the atmosphere. "I'll just quote my director there. He says 'it's just crazy.' He's referring to the atmosphere. He's referring to the confusion. Everything that they thought they had gained has fallen apart."

Rodeheaver says it's not only a confusing time for the average Egyptian, but especially for Christians. He was told that most Christians voted for Ahmed Shafik. "Even though he represents going back to the Mubarak era, they were much more comfortable with him than they were with the Muslim Brotherhood."

Why? Rodeheaver says, "The institution of Sharia Law will basically stymie Egypt's ability economically, politically, and religiously to really have any kind of freedom."

While the elections haven't been announced yet, Rodeheaver says the evangelical church is already feeling the impact. "It was shocking to me when my staff person said, 'In our church, there have been over 60 people who have left Egypt to go to the U.S. to start a new life because of their fear.'"

While that is bad news, Rodeheaver says there has been some good news with all this uncertainty. IN Network has seen growth in leadership, discipleship, and evangelism training. "There has been this period of ability to do ministry unimpeded. The fear now is that that door will shut."

Rodeheaver is asking you to pray for safety for young people as they travel to and from summer camp. He's also asking you to pray for Egyptian churches. "If you're part of a congregation and all of a sudden you realize that 60 people are no longer there, that creates an emotion and psychological barrier." Pray that God will assure Christians that He is at work and that they can stand strong.

If you'd like to help IN Network share Christ, click here. 

 

Persecution Podcast #120: Syria, Azerbaijan, Sudan, and Central Asia

This week on the Persecution Podcast, Dory and Todd share prayer reports on Syria, Azerbaijan, Sudan, and Central Asia.

Afterward, a VOM worker shares his experience observing the contrasts between the modern, American Church and the underground, persecuted Church.

This is a podcast that you will want to share, take notes and keep praying for the needs mentioned.

Click here to listen now.

VOM-USA Prayer Update for June 22, 2012 - When You Pray, You Love

Please keep praying and sharing our requests with your praying friends.  God bless you, as you do.

Syria -- War Brings Additional Trials for Syrian Believers
Source: VOM Contacts

Matthew 6:10

Christians in Syria who share their faith have always faced danger, but the escalating civil war is making evangelistic efforts even more dangerous. Several evangelists who work with VOM have lost family members. “In some cases, people were killed because of their Christian identity,” said VOM’s program officer for the region. “We are checking into how we can be of assistance to those who have been injured for their faith, including one whose face was mutilated as a warning to other Christians.” The war has also displaced many Christians. As Christians flee the fighting and leave their houses behind, Muslims and members of the rebel groups take possession of them. In addition, one church was closed by the government in recent months, and other churches remain under threat of closure. Pray for peace and the protection of Syrian believers.

Azerbaijan -- Police Question Children During Church Raid
Source: Forum 18 News, VOM Contacts

2 Timothy 1:7-12

Police raided a church in Azerbaijan recently and questioned about 50 children who were attending. Police searched the church for foreigners and, after finding none present, began questioning about 50 children to make sure they had permission from both parents to be there. At least one church member was fined without being tried in court. Although police have denied that the raid occurred, at least 20 police officers and the local head of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations reportedly participated in the church raid. Please pray that our Christian brothers and sisters in Azerbaijan will rely on the spirit of power through Christ and will be bold and loving despite government oppression.

Sudan -- Officials Close Christian Offices in South Darfur
Sources: Compass Direct News, VOM Contacts

Revelation 2:10

Authorities in South Darfur have closed the offices of Sudan Aid and the Sudan Council of Churches (SCC), ordering staff off the property and arresting three employees of Sudan Aid. Agents from the Sudanese National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) arrived at the organizations’ offices in Nyala on the morning of April 22. They demanded that SCC staff hand over keys to the buildings and vehicles and ordered all staff members to leave. NISS agents also closed down a church clinic that was serving the needy in the area. The day after the offices were closed, staff members returned to find more than a dozen armed security personnel cordoning off the compound. The security agents told staff the offices were closed and they should go home. Two days after the closures, Sudan’s federal Humanitarian Aid Commission froze the bank accounts of the SCC in Nyala. Please pray for the protection of believers in South Darfur.

Central Asia
VOM Project

Pray for the secret printing of a new Bible translation in Central Asia. Pray for those involved in distribution, and pray that the new Bibles will replenish those confiscated by authorities.

Shouwang Church Members Subjected to Two Days of Persecution Last Weekend

The following news is from our great friends at China Aid.  You can always learn about Christian persecution in China by reading their website daily. 

Beijing—June 20, 2012) The continued persecution of Shouwang Church, which has been meeting outdoors for 14 months in defiance of an official crackdown, took a new turn this past weekend, with security authorities preventing young church members from using campus basketball courts.

On Saturday morning, Shouwang’s Youth Fellowship and Student Fellowship met, as is their custom, at the basketball court on the campus of Beijing Institute of Technology to play basketball. But, to their surprise, they found the courts closed. They went next to the gymnasium of Beijing Normal University. But soon after they arrived, the basketball court there was also closed. That’s when they noticed that they had been tailed by Domestic Security Protection agents.

So the Christian young people started playing a shuttlecock-kicking game, but almost immediately campus security guards rushed over to stop them. The guards surrounded the Christians and seized the groups’ “Shouwang Youth Fellowship vs Student Fellowship Basketball Game” banner. The fierce fight over the banner ended in a standoff.

(Nov. 1, 2009 file photo of Shouwang Church forced to meet outdoors in Haidian Park during a snowstorm.)

 

The Christians reported the incident to the police, and officers from the Beitaipingzhuang police station arrived on the scene. Several of the young people followed the police back to the station, wanting to regain possession of their banner. But not only did the police refuse to return the banner, they even required the eight Christians who had recounted what had happened to submit to long sessions of formal questioning that were recorded by a stenographer.

The police treated these young Christians in the same contemptible manner and with the same bad attitude as they treat the Christians who have been detained each Sunday from Shouwang’s designated outdoor worship site. They were finally released only after police from the local police stations of their respective neighborhoods came and transferred them to those local police stations, from where they were allowed to go home. It was 11 p.m. before the final detainee returned home.

Throughout the entire time, the Christians were level-headed, composed and calm in face of outrageously unjust treatment. The Beijing Domestic Security Protection Department, on the other hand, hid in the shadows playing dirty tricks.

Nonetheless, Shouwang Church members showed up as usual Sunday morning at the designated outdoor meeting site in Beijing’s Haidian District. Sixteen people were taken by police from the Zhonggang Plaza and taken to the Zhongguancun and Laiguangying police stations for questioning. The last of the detainees was released at 3 p.m.

We ask churches everywhere to pray for these brothers and sisters from Shouwang who have faithfully shown up for outdoor worship for so long. Beijing’s summer is heating up. Whether they worshipping outdoors or detained in a police station, may the Lord Jesus Christ grant them an extra measure of strength and courage so that they may continue to fight this spiritual battle.

Resolution Calling for Youcef Nadarkhani's Release One Step Closer to Senate Vote

Iran (MNN) ― The U.S. resolution calling for the release of Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is now one step closer to a vote in the U.S. Senate.

Senate Resolution 385 was passed unanimously by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee this past Tuesday, June 19.

When Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was arrested in Iran on October 2009, it was on the charge of apostasy. Lyndsay Vessey with Open Doors USA says that while the case has gone up and down, Nadarkhani remains steadfast behind bars. “He’s been in prison for well over a year, but he’s been told that if he recants his faith and returns to Islam, he will be released. But he’s not been willing to do that.”

Senate Resolution 385, drafted by Sen. David Vitter, R-LA “condemn[s] the Government of Iran for its continued persecution, imprisonment, and sentencing of Youcef Nadarkhani on the charge of apostasy.”

The resolution is partnered with House Resolution 556 which passed on a unanimous vote earlier this year. The Senate resolution was introduced the same day the House resolution passed.

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), an organization that fights religious discrimination, says this Senate resolution “could not come at a more important time with Pastor Youcef's attorney continuing to face imprisonment himself.”

Nadarkhani’s lawyer, Mohammed Ali Dadkhah, is facing nine years of jail time after being sentenced with “acting against the national security.” Dadkhah has not been granted trial.

The clock is ticking for this resolution to go to the Senate for a vote before control switches hands in the upcoming election season. If the Senate resolution is not completely passed through all the systems and signed into recognition before a new Senate session begins at the end of the presidential elections, the resolution will start back again at square one.

Some may wonder whether a resolution from the United States can really make a difference in Nadarkhani’s case and call Iran to accountability. Vessey considers, “When the U.S. government speaks out, it does let the Iranian government know that they are being watched. And it also, I think, gives hope to those who are suffering persecution.”

Pray for Senate Resolution 385 to be put to a vote in the Senate quickly and pass through with little trouble. Pray for courage for Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and his family, and for religious persecution in Iran to diminish in the face of the Gospel.

Source: Mission Network News