Persecution Blog

OKWU Offers One-Week Class on Persecuted Church

“Preparation for underground work begins by studying sufferology, martyrology.”

—Richard Wurmbrand (1909-2001), Founder of VOM

The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) and Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) partner together to offer mini-term courses within OKWU’s Global Studies program.

The beautiful campus of Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

The mini-term courses offer some of the curriculum from OKWU's award-winning Global Studies major (also known as the Persecuted Church Ministries major), providing advanced learning in the areas of Christian persecution and biblical response to worldwide suffering.

Each one-week mini-term offers an intensive, three-credit-hour, advanced college course that takes place on the campus of OKWU in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The course also includes a service project with VOM at the ministry’s Bartlesville headquarters. The total cost of the program is $600, including academic credits, housing, books and meals on the campus of OKWU. Academic credit can be transferred to other academic institutions.

Here’s what previous mini-term students have said about their experience:

“Not only was I able to gain valuable information about Christian response to secular powers but I also had a great time meeting new people!”

—Cynthia C, Florida

“The faculty members facilitated a great learning environment. The God and Government class stretched my mind and challenged many of my preconceived ideas concerning God and secular Government. The instructor guided the class through scripture and academics as he enabled us to form more than just opinions on matters at hand. The university that I attend accepted the transfer of OKWU's credits without any hesitation. I would recommend the class to anyone able to take it.”

—Aaron L, Louisiana

“The mini term was an intense course, yet with a heart-felt worship session drenched in biblical truth, countless hours spent in the word of God, essays after essays, debates, and unforgettable fellowships; it was a week very well spent with my brothers and sisters. The historical and theological studies of the topic “God and government” with Dr. Jarmola helped me find the answers to my questions as a Christian service member, and further brought me to my knees in worship to the Lord in His sovereignty.”

—Jeff K, New York

OKWU will offer the “God and Government” mini-term course Dec. 28, 2013 through Jan. 4, 2014. Click here to apply for the mini-term program, or send an email requesting more information.

How Do We Confront Evil in the World?

“Wars and rumors of wars.”  These words are a painful reality for many. Most of us not in hostile areas are so inundated with the devastation of war and terrorism on television that, after a while, we want to push it away, hoping that it will disappear. Unfortunately, it is our daily dose of reality, and it does not look like it is going to end. Because we care about people, we feel the pain of injured humanity as though we were experiencing it ourselves.

Those intensely involved in support and ministry to the persecuted church are not immune to the emotional pain of seeing human suffering. Christian workers around the world are eyewitnesses to social upheaval and often the tragic aftermath. Sometimes they suffer because of being targeted by radical forces, like churches in Pakistan, Nigeria, and Egypt. Life and work must go on, often persistently working in the middle of or around devastation. They keep going on in spite of the threat to personal safety.

At a soccer match in Manila I talked to a proud parent of one of the soccer players. As a missionary in Vietnam, he raised most of his family while the war was going on. He said that he knew how to avoid trouble and managed to stay in Vietnam almost to the end of the conflict. He and his family not only survived but flourished in the middle of this deadly arena. Instead of lamenting about their difficulties and wishing they could find relief from the possibility of pain and death, they found ways of continuing in ministry.

Guns and bombs do not tell the whole story.

Without detracting from the difficulties and concrete realities of armed conflicts, there is the need to remind ourselves of a deeper and, in many ways, more significant struggle. This struggle is against the very powers that incite hostilities. Conflict and wars, we are told in the Book of James, come from within the hearts of people. It is ultimately a spiritual problem.

This makes it even more deadly. It is not just our bodies that are placed in the line of fire; it is our souls as well. Our struggle against illusive and unseen powers is serious, painful, and sometimes deadly. There are casualties, and eternal destinies are at stake.

Christians should not be confused about how to engage these forces in spiritual combat. Confronting evil through prayer is the primary method used by God's people through the ages. Confrontational prayer stems from the refusal to be hindered, overcome or defeated by our spiritual adversaries. Sincere, earnest, persistent prayer beats back deadly evil.

David Wells, in an article "Prayer: Rebelling against Status Quo" (Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader. Pasadena, California: William Carey Library, 1982, 124) writes that we should not accept the world in its present form. Our refusal to accept the condition of the world as "normal" should lead us to fight with spiritual weapons (125). Wesley L. Duewel, in his very powerful book Touch the World through Prayer, encourages us to develop a determined spirit in facing spiritual conflict. We are not to be defensive but we should attack evil through prayer until it is defeated or at least flees from our presence (Wesley L. Duewel, Touch the World Through Prayer. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986, 209, 176).

Perhaps it is time to seriously consider our role in the unseen but real war of the spirit.

Roy Stults, PhD, is the Online Workshop Coordinator and Educational Services Coordinator for The Voice of the Martyrs. He graduated from Olivet Nazarene University (BA and MA), Nazarene Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Doctor of Missiology), and The University of Manchester (England) with a PhD (theology). A Vietnam veteran, Dr. Stults served as a missionary for 19 years and pastored U.S. churches for eight years. Prior to joining VOM, he was a Professor of Religion at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

MOVING TOWARD MUSLIMS: The Momentous Sacrifice

Today, the Muslim world shifts its eyes to one thing: The lamb.

Today is Eid ul-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice.

Marking the end of the haj, the pinnacle event of this feast is sacrificing a lamb — literally slitting its throat while reciting verses from the Quran. After reserving a portion of meat to give to the poor, Muslims will clean the meat and rub it with fennel seed, turmeric and other aromatic spices. Then they will braise or roast it until the tender meat falls off the bone. 

Last year Saudi Arabia reported more than 4 million pilgrims for the Haj. (Photo: AsiaNews)

In almost every country, new clothes are a must for this special day. In the Middle Eastern country where I live, local men attend prayers early in the morning, and then receive guests as early as 6 a.m. Women with henna-decorated hands pass out chocolates and money to children who knock on their doors. But the lamb takes center stage, and some Muslims don’t even know why.

The event behind Eid ul-Adha is Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son. Muslims know that God stopped Abraham as he raised the knife and sent a ram from heaven so the son could go free. But the deeper significance of this story — and how it points to Jesus — most will never know.

Several years ago I had coffee with a South Asian woman near the celebration of this meaning-packed holiday.

A few simple questions led to a topic most Americans would avoid: sin. As a Muslim, Hanna explained to me how she views sin: Everyone sins, at least a little. But the payment for sin is good works.

It gave me the entrance to share about the seriousness of sin, its penalty of death and that no amount of good works are good enough for God. Ever.

The table was silent. Suspension had sufficiently been built. Hanna appeared deep in thought when she looked up from her drink and asked, “So how can anyone go to heaven?”

I was so glad she asked! “You know about Nabi Ibrahim?” I ventured, referring to the Eid ul-Adha story. “The ‘ram from heaven’ was given in place of Abraham’s son, and this sign points us to Jesus.” (As a note, some Muslims insist the son was Ishmael, not Isaac, so I used “son” in general to avoid confusion or an argument.)

After relating the story to Jesus the spotless Lamb of God who gave his life so we could go free, I asked Hanna, “Have you ever heard this before?”

“No. Never.” At the end of our coffee date, Hanna thanked me for explaining about Jesus. She said, “I have always wondered why he came.”

The Quran ends the story of Abraham and his son with this: “And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice” (as-Saffat 37:107, Yusuf Ali Translation). So, every year on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha, astute Muslims are left wondering, What is the “momentous sacrifice?” Surely it means more than a ram caught in the brambles.

God in his wisdom tucked this meaning-packed story in the Quran and made it the focal point of the biggest feast in Islam. Having woven this account into the fabric of Muslims’ lives, God has prepared these precious men and women to hear about His provision of the “momentous sacrifice,” Jesus, the Lamb of God.

This Eid, may they not be left wondering.

YOUR TURN: Have you ever taken part in an Eid ul-Adha celebration? Do you know any Muslims who are celebrating today?

"Anna" blogs about friendship, culture, and Kingdom-living from her home in the Middle East. She loves Jesus and wants to see Him cherished by her neighbors and people everywhere. Anna will be posting on the Persecution Blog each month. Feel free to ask questions or suggest future topics in the comments section for this post. Anna is a pseudonym, and all names in her posts are changed for security reasons.

Saudi Arabia: No Religious Freedom

This week offers a tremendous opportunity for prayer that those of the Muslim faith visiting Saudi Arabia encounter Christ.

This week, men and women from as many as 190 countries will make the journey to Islam’s holiest city in order to complete haj — a pilgrimage that all Muslims are expected to complete at least once in their lifetime if they are financially and physically able. As over two million Muslims converge on Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage that started on Oct. 13 and ends Oct. 18 this year, pray they might have dreams that point them to Christ or that they even meet Christians as they travel to the kingdom to fulfill their religious duty.

Saudi Arabia is ranked as the second-most oppressive nation for Christians. Even foreigners visiting the country risk jail, expulsion, lashings, torture and even death for sharing their Christian faith with Muslims or even practicing it.

In this country that allows no religious freedom, men and women who have decided to follow Christ do so despite the great costs. Some must flee for their lives. In May 2013, a woman known only as “the girl of Khobar” fled the country after her father threatened to kill her because she had converted from Islam to Christianity. The woman’s family accused two of her male coworkers of brainwashing her and helping her flee the country. One, a Saudi, received 200 lashes and two years in prison for helping her flee. The other, a Lebanese Christian, was sentenced by authorities to 300 lashes and two years in prison for converting her.

Like the Lebanese man, Christian expatriates from other countries, particularly Eritrea, India and the Philippines, are often targeted by Saudi religious police and face severe punishment for proselytizing or even meeting together for private worship.  Mussie Eyob, a 33-year-old Eritrean Christian and a convert from Islam, was arrested in Feb. 2011 for preaching to Muslims and sentenced to death. Numerous groups, including The Voice of the Martyrs’ readers, prayed and contacted authorities, and instead of death, Eyob was deported back to Eritrea in Nov. 2011.

On Jan. 21, 2011, just prior to Eyob’s arrest, Indian Christians were targeted by religious authorities who raided their prayer meeting. Four escaped, but Vasantha Sekhar Vara, 28, and Yohan Nese, 31, spent 45 days in prison and were subject to beatings and harsh conditions in the overcrowded prison. When pressured to convert to Islam, both men remained committed to Christ. Vasantha told his pastor, “If I have to die for my God, I will die for him here.”  Released and deported to India in July 2011, the two are examples of what Christians often face in Saudi Arabia. Their house church is still in danger of being discovered by religious police.

YOUR TURN: How will you pray for Christians and Muslims in Saudi Arabia during this week of heightened spiritual significance?  

Sources: VOM sources, Reuters

Ann Kay is a writer for VOM. She learned about VOM five years ago when she read Tortured for Christ and began receiving the newsletter. She is passionate about reaching the world for Christ and sharing stories of the persecuted church.

Somalia: A Reminder to Pray

If you go to the movies this weekend, you might see the newly-released movie called Captain Phillips, which is based on the rescue of those aboard the US cargo ship Alabama from Somali pirates in April 2009. And if you have The Voice of the Martyrs’ mobile prayer app installed on your phone, you will already know that Somalia is this week’s prayer focus.

Thought to be one of the world’s most corrupt nations, Somalia has lacked a stable government since 1991. Pirate attacks like the one on Alabama made many aware of just how dangerous Somali waters can be, but many people still do not understand the dangers that Christians in this country face on a daily basis.

Somalia is made up of 99 percent Muslims. Less than 1 percent of the population is Christian, and they must practice their faith in secret house churches for fear of harsh persecution. The al-Shabab Islamic extremists have vowed to annihilate all Somali Christians.

In Sept. 2013, a 35-year-old Christian, Fatuma Isak Elmi, was killed in her home by al-Shabab. Her 4-year-old son witnessed the attack, and his cries alerted neighbors that something was wrong. A note delivered that morning had warned the family that they were “polluting our religion” and that the al-Shabab were coming to kill them because of their faith. Elmi’s husband was not at home during the attack, but he took his son into hiding as soon as he learned of his wife’s tragic death.

In early 2013, this same group killed a husband and wife in separate attacks because they had converted from Islam to Christianity. A few months ago, their 13-year-old nephew from another town was kidnapped by al-Shabab in order to draw out his Christian parents and relatives.

The VOM mobile prayer app

As I have used the VOM prayer app and been given specific prompts for Somalia this week, I have been reminded of the people who stand up for Jesus against enormous odds. Children and adults alike face kidnapping, torture and even death to follow Jesus in this country.

I am encouraged to see that many others are using the app to indicate “I prayed” and are also sharing it with their friends or family through Facebook and Twitter. It encourages me to pray more fervently and to live out Hebrews 13:3, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them — those who are mistreated — since you yourselves are in the body also.”  

YOUR TURN: How has this mobile app impacted your prayer life?

Sources: VOM sources and Christianity Today

Ann Kay is a writer for VOM. She learned about VOM five years ago when she read Tortured for Christ and began receiving the newsletter. She is passionate about reaching the world for Christ and sharing stories of the persecuted church.

Syria: God is at Work

The war in Syria is one of the greatest crises seen in the Middle East in the last 20 years. It has claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people, both Muslim and Christian. More than 2 million Syrians have fled to neighboring countries. In the midst of this crisis, our persecuted family is boldly reaching out. And the reactions of Muslims have been astonishing. “When you hear about one Muslim coming to Christ, it’s a great thing, and everybody rejoices,” said a VOM Syrian contact. “Today in Syria I’m not talking about one person. We’re talking about hundreds and even thousands of Muslims coming to know Christ.” Teams of believers are working in the refugee camps, providing Christ’s love while sharing material aid, such as medical supplies and Bibles, as well as spiritual aid. Christians, widely considered “infidels” in Syria, are now often and affectionately referred to as “the Bible People.” “This war is like a knife in the heart of the church. No human can stand that suffering. But there is God’s presence. I can see Christ in the midst of darkness.” —  VOM National Contact

Please pray for Christians who face not only the horrific effects of war but also continued persecution. Please also pray for those who are bravely using this opportunity to advance the kingdom. “God is doing miracles inside the country,” a Christian worker told VOM. “But even if he allows us to die, it will be an honor for us to die for his name, to glorify his name.” The opportunities for ministry in Syria today exceed what we thought possible. Working with the Syrian church and local workers, VOM continues to distribute material aid, Bibles and Christian literature, and support for pastors and evangelistic teams. VOM will continually seek ways to increase our efforts. During this time of crisis and opportunity, VOM invites you to make a special contribution to support this ministry in Syria.

Make a contribution for Syria today. If you are a US resident and not currently receiving The Voice of the Martyrs’ monthly newsletter, please also request your copy of our November 2013 newsletter highlighting Syria.

#WhyWePray video contest: First Place

Earlier this year, VOM launched the Why We Pray video contest, inviting readers and friends to create a video to invite and inspire American Christians to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

It is hoped that these videos will reach many viewers during the season leading up to the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP), which occurs on the first Sunday of November. This is a key time of reaching out to American Christians to remind them of our persecuted brothers and sisters, and remind them of the importance of praying for the persecuted church.

To be eligible for entry into the contest, videos had to be no more than two minutes in length, be posted to YouTube and have at least 200 views before being entered into the contest.

VOM's judging panel reviewed all entries to the contest and selected the winners. We are posting the top three video contest entries this week on the Persecution Blog, and today we bring you the FIRST PLACE WINNER:

 

Congratulations to the creators of the winning videos, and than you to all of the people who created videos and entered the contest. THANK YOU for being a voice for persecuted Christians and encouraging others to pray for them. You can see a playlist of all the contest entries here.

#WhyWePray video contest: Second Place

Earlier this year, VOM launched the Why We Pray video contest, inviting readers and friends to create a video to invite and inspire American Christians to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

It is hoped that these videos will reach many viewers during the season leading up to the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP), which occurs on the first Sunday of November. This is a key time of reaching out to American Christians to remind them of our persecuted brothers and sisters, and remind them of the importance of praying for the persecuted church.

To be eligible for entry into the contest, videos had to be no more than two minutes in length, be posted to YouTube and have at least 200 views before being entered into the contest.

VOM's judging panel reviewed all entries to the contest and selected the winners. We are posting the top three video contest entries this week on the Persecution Blog, and today we present the SECOND PLACE VIDEO:

 

This is the second time VOM has held a video contest. The first time, filmmakers were challenged to create a video sharing the plight of Asia Bibi, a Christian wife and mother in Pakistan who has been sentenced to death. The videos were to present Bibi’s story and then encourage viewers to sign a petition asking for Asia’s release at www.CallForMercy.com. The winning video in that contest has already been viewed more than 39,000 times on YouTube.

#WhyWePray video contest: Third Place

Earlier this year, VOM launched the Why We Pray video contest, inviting readers and friends to create a video to invite and inspire American Christians to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

It is hoped that these videos will reach many viewers during the season leading up to the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP), which occurs on the first Sunday of November. This is a key time of reaching out to American Christians to remind them of our persecuted brothers and sisters, and remind them of the importance of praying for the persecuted church.

To be eligible for entry into the contest, videos had to be no more than two minutes in length, be posted to YouTube and have at least 200 views before being entered into the contest.

VOM's judging panel reviewed all entries to the contest and selected the winners. We will be posting the top three video contest entries this week on the Persecution Blog, starting today with the THIRD PLACE VIDEO:

 

This is the second time VOM has held a video contest. The first time, filmmakers were challenged to create a video sharing the plight of Asia Bibi, a Christian wife and mother in Pakistan who has been sentenced to death. The videos were to present Bibi’s story and then encourage viewers to sign a petition asking for Asia’s release at www.CallForMercy.com. The winning video in that contest has already been viewed more than 39,000 times on YouTube.

Kenya: Prayer For A Friend

Late on Sept. 23, I received an unsettling text message from a friend in Kenya. He wrote: “The al-Shabaab have attacked at Nairobi’s Westgate Mall and they are killing innocent people. I request you to pray for Kenya and me.”

I had read about the hostage situation unfolding the day before in Nairobi, so I was already concerned for his safety, and I wondered how the beautiful city mall I had been to the year before could have been the place of such chaos and terror.

In March 2012, I traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, with a group of others interested in a missions outreach to Kenyan children and adolescents. The group of thirty was from all over the United States, and we sat down just outside the Westgate Mall to enjoy a meal at a restaurant that caters to American tastes. The aroma of hamburgers wafted through the air along with Kenyan specialties such as Kenyan stew and masala chips, which are similar to French fries. Laughter bubbled up from conversations being held in a variety of languages, and the sounds of engines running and car horns beeping in congested traffic lines punctuated the sunny afternoon.

 

Ann With Her Friend in Kenya

After our meal, our group shopped at the Nukumatt store located in the mall. While there, we passed through a security check and bigger bags were left in the front of the store. For the most part, I felt safe visiting this stable and friendly country. Kenyans are a beautiful people that have great resilience. The Christians I spoke with during my trip stressed vast improvements that were being made; “hope” was one of the key words used amongst almost everyone I spoke with.

 

Christians in Kenya do face persecution, especially in villages located near the border with Somalia. In recent years, the Islamic militant group al-Shabaab, which has ties to al-Qaeda, has attacked several churches and killed pastors in villages near the Somali border.

In the attack on the Westgate Mall, it is reported that the militant group released those who could prove that they were Muslim by reciting a verse from the Quran or giving the name of the Prophet Mohammad’s mother. Non-Muslims were killed. News reports indicate that more than 67 were killed and around 175 people injured in the attack. Two of those who were killed were employees at the Nukumatt store, the store I had walked through to buy tea.

As my friend reminded me, Kenya does need prayer. While he appears to be safe for now, many Christians near the Somali border face extreme danger from al-Shabaab. Christians throughout Kenya need continued prayer for protection as well as boldness in their faith and hope of a bright future.

Ann Kay is a writer for VOM. She learned about VOM five years ago when she read Tortured for Christ and began receiving the newsletter. She is passionate about reaching the world for Christ and sharing stories of the persecuted church.