Iran—Pastors Receive Death ThreatsASSIST News Service, Christian Solidarity WorldwideRomans 15:30On Sept. 14, 11 pastors who recently fled Iran received e-mail death threats from a group calling itself “the unknown soldiers of the Hidden Imam.” Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that the e-mails threatened the pastors with extra-judicial execution, stating that although the pastors managed to flee Iran, they are not hidden from the “acute eyes of the unknown soldiers.” The e-mails stated that if the pastors do not repent and ask forgiveness, they will be killed. Pastors in the Iranian house church movement are taking the threats very seriously and believe they may be linked to Iranian security forces. Pray for God’s protection of these pastors and Christians throughout Iran.Egypt—Violent Clashes Leave 25 DeadRelease International, VOM Contacts, Associated PressPsalm 31:14At least 25 people were killed Sunday evening during a demonstration in Cairo by Christians protesting the Sept. 30 destruction of a church building in Aswan Province. The protest, which started at about 4 p.m., occurred in front of the Radio and Television building, the site of earlier Christian protests near Tahrir Square. The protesters were met by thugs who attacked them with stones and sticks. When some of the protesters threw stones at their attackers, the army intervened with live ammunition. National television cameras showed an Egyptian Army armored vehicle drive into the crowd and run over at least 10 people. There were additional reports of violence against Christian-owned businesses and fighting close to the Coptic Hospital, where most of the dead and wounded had been taken. The official death toll is currently 25, and some members of the security forces were reportedly among those killed. More than 200 others were injured, and Christians are alarmed at the disproportionate use of force by the Egyptian Army. Pray that God will give them strength and that they will remember that he is in control.Laos—Christian Children Barred from SchoolVOM Contacts1 Corinthians 12:25Six children from five Christian families were prevented from paying tuition and attending classes when school started in September. VOM sources said the head of the village, the police and Communist party members refused to let teachers accept the children back into school. Christians in another village have invited the children into their homes so the children can attend school in their village. They are providing the children with clothing, food, blankets and medicine, and they are paying the children’s tuition and transfer fees as well as a fee to stay in the village. The children’s parents have only been asked to provide rice for their children. When the five families converted to Christianity in 2007, they received threats and pressure to recant, but they remain strong in their faith. Continue to pray for these families, as they trust God in the face of discrimination.
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