Yubelina

Yubelina was badly injured during an attack on her Christian village. As she ran from her attackers, she spilled a kerosene lamp that ignited and burned her face. That was in 2001. During the past 10 years, VOM has walked alongside Yubelina. We paid travel costs from her remote village to the island of Java, where she received high quality care, and arranged for her to have plastic surgery. Yubelina still bears the scars of her ordeal, not only on her face but also in her heart.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

KENYA: Anti-Christian Violence Spreading

Two people were killed on Nov. 6 when suspected Somali Islamic militants attacked a church in eastern Kenya, adding to concerns about increased violence against devoted Christians in the African nation. A woman and two of her grandchildren were also injured when attackers hurled a grenade at the East African Pentecostal Church in the predominantly Muslim town of Garissa, over 200 miles northeast of Nairobi.

Police investigators say militant group al-Shabab attacked the church, as the group advocates for a strict form of Shariah law in areas it controls.

Elsewhere in Kenya, a Somali Christian refugee was recovering after six Somali Muslim men allegedly beat him with iron and wooden clubs, leaving him unconscious at a church entryway.

The Christian, identified only as 25-year-old Hassan, had earlier fled the turmoil in Somalia where several Christians have been killed by al-Shabab militants, fellow believers said.

Source: BosNewsLife

Please pray for the families of the deceased believers and for those who suffered injuries and material losses. Pray that the authorities will aggressively pursue and prosecute the perpetrators and that al-Shabab will be uprooted from Kenya. Pray that these attacks will not produce fear but make Christians stronger and bolder in their faith.

"But the LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten." Jeremiah 20:11

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Christians Attacked In Myanmar (Burma) and Nigeria

BURMA (Myanmar): Christians Attacked and Churches Destroyed

The Burmese army has attacked churches and worshipers in Kachin State, which is 90 percent Christian. Severe restrictions have also been imposed on Christian activities.

On Oct. 16, soldiers burned two church buildings and homes in the northern area of Namsan Yang village. A pastor and four other men were detained.

Officials informed Christians that they must request permission 15 days in advance for activities such as reading the Bible, conducting a Bible study, holding Sunday school, prayer and fasting. Churches in Burma are already required to obtain permission for any events other than Sunday services, but these new regulations impinge on the daily, private actions of individual Christians.

A Christian pastor was forced to flee his home after 500 soldiers took over his village. He said the soldiers took all the villagers' belongings, including animals and building materials, and they are still living in the villagers' houses.

Source: Barnabas Aid

Please pray for Christians in Burma who have lost their livelihoods, homes, belongings and churches. Pray that the Lord will place a hedge of protection around them and supply all their needs according to His riches in glory. Pray that the soldiers and other officials come to a saving knowledge of Jesus.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:21-23)

NIGERIA: Terrorist Group Kills Christians, Destroys Churches

Attacks by Islamic extremists in northeast Nigeria left over 100 dead and at least six churches destroyed. Terrorist Muslim organization Boko Haram committed the attacks on Nov. 4 and 5.

Most of the attacks were suicide bombings, but the group also bombed a government building and shot 63 people.

Christians in the region are concerned about future violence and damage, and many are upset at the lack of law enforcement to protect them from Boko Haram's attacks. The group has killed more than 240 people this year, including 100 Christians.

The attacks come on the immediate heels of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau urging members to increase violence. Boko Haram roughly translates to "Western education is sacrilege." The group's aim is to spread radical Islamic fundamentalism throughout Nigeria.

President Goodluck Jonathan has asked the Christian community to pray for peace in the embattled region.

Source: Christian Post

Please pray for the peace of Nigeria and for Boko Haram's demise. Pray that believers will not be overcome with fear, but that they will sense God's presence and peace. Pray for wisdom for President Goodluck Jonathan, and that he will take measures to ensure the safety of Nigeria's Christians.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: 'For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.' Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:35-37

VOM assists hundreds of Nigerian pastors and also provides food, clothing and medical aid to Nigerian Christians who are attacked by Muslim extremists.

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Christian Persecution Intensifies

Mehdi "Petros" Foroutan, a 27-year-old pastor in Iran, was arrested in January 2010 and charged with crimes against national security and blasphemy against Islam. Although acquitted of the blasphemy charge and released on bail a month later, Pastor Foroutan

was sentenced to one year in prison. Unlike most people who wait for an arrest warrant, Pastor Foroutan reported to prison on Sept. 25, 2011, to begin serving his sentence. Almost immediately, Pastor Foroutan was transferred to the area of the prison for recovering drug addicts in Shiraz. It is often called "the end of the road" for addicts and drug dealers. Please pray for Pastor Foroutan's safety and protection from easily transferred diseases as he lives among drug addicts. Pray that God uses and works through the pastor to free those held captive by addiction.

RECENT UPDATE!: VOM contacts have recently learned that Pastor Mehdi "Petros" Foroutan, who is serving a one-year prison sentence in Shiraz for crimes against national security, has been placed in solitary confinement and has not been allowed a phone call since Oct. 17.

There is concern that he is being tortured.

INDONESIA: Pastor Arrested after Authorities Close Church

On Sept. 20, local officials threatened to close the Indonesia Pentecostal Church in Sumedang. The church had previously received a letter to cease Christian activities, and the district head of Jatinangor in Sumedang, Nandang Suparman, said the church had no legal building permit. Suparman urged the church to move its services into a building belonging to the Institute of Public Administration (IPND).

The Indonesian Christian organization Kabar Gereja reports that the IPND building accommodates the congregations of at least 14 closed churches and cannot

accommodate more. After closing the church in Sumedang, authorities arrested the church's pastor for forcing others to attend church. The church was built more than 24 years ago and only recently began receiving threats.

The church's pastor was put on trial on Oct. 3. He faces up to three months in prison. According to local sources, at least 30 churches have been closed or burned in 2011.

Behnam Irani

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.

EGYPT: Military Attack against Christian Protestors

On Oct. 9, Christian protestors marching toward the television and radio broadcasting building near downtown Cairo were pelted with rocks and other projectiles. By the time the protestors made it to the building, the army began shooting into the crowd and rolling over protestors with their riot-control vehicles.

Witnesses at the scene reportedly said they saw body parts scattered around after the attacks. Amateur video at the scene shows two riot-control vehicles careening haphazardly through the crowd of protestors. The attacks left 26 dead and hundreds wounded.

The protest was in response to a Sept. 30 attack in Upper Egypt, where the Mar Gerges Church building was burned down along with several Christian-owned homes and businesses.

The church building, which was being renovated, was attacked by local Muslims who claimed the congregation had no right to build it, despite legal documents produced by parish priests.

... this last story is personal.  My wife and I have two close friends living in Egypt.  They are Coptic Christians and are under constant threat ...

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

Lady's & Gentlemen, I Present Our Future

When "Christians" Attack Christians


Almost always, it seems this blog is about Muslims attacking Christians, but I have news for you folks, if you didn't know already - one of the great enemies of Christians in the "end times" will be "Christians".  Here's an example:


MEXICO: Evangelical Christians Expelled from Village


At least 70 evangelical Christians are homeless after being expelled by local authorities from their village of San Rafael, Tlanalapan, where traditionalist Catholics reportedly threatened to "crucify or lynch" them.

Leaders of traditionalist Catholics, a sect that blends Roman Catholicism with native spiritualism, ordered 50 Protestant families to leave the village in Puebla State by Sept. 12, but some were allowed to stay under the condition they worship outside the area.

The regional government official, Roberto Solano Pineda, told La Jornada news agency, "Local authorities agreed that evangelicals who are not originally from the area must leave, as the state government cannot guarantee their safety."

The mayor did not stop the expulsions amid fears he would be expelled by the traditionalists, Mexican media reported.

A few residents told reporters they regretted that authorities did not pressure the local priest to halt the expulsions.

Source: Worthy Network News Services

Please pray that God will strengthen and reestablish these precious believers. Ask God to bind the spirit of deception that holds the traditionalist Catholics captive and that they become receptive to the gospel. Pray that the Christian remnant that remains in the village will be bold and share God's truth in love.

"But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Philippians 3:7-8

The Voice of the Martyrs assists persecuted Christians in Mexico with literature and other resources.

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SOMALIA: Christian Beheaded

The decapitated body of Juma Nuradin Kamil, a Christian convert from Islam, was found on Sept. 2 on the outskirts of Hudur City, Bakool, in southwestern Somalia.

According to local sources, he had been forced into a car on Aug. 21.

Christian leaders said the kidnapping and manner of execution suggest that he was being monitored by al-Shabab, a militant Muslim group that has vowed to rid Somalia of Christianity.

According to a leader in Somalia's underground church, a Christian who saw Kamil's body said it bore the marks of an al-Shabab killing. "It is usual for al-Shabab to decapitate those they suspect to have embraced the Christian faith, or sympathizers of Western ideals," the leader said. "Our brother accepted the Christian faith three years ago and was determined in his faith in God. We greatly miss him."

Source: Compass Direct News

Please remember the family of Juma Nuradin Kamil in your prayers. Pray that Somali Christians will remain firm and undeterred in their faith, despite the daily dangers they face, and that God will turn the murderous tide of hatred in Somalia to love and faith in Jesus Christ.

"My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." (Ps. 62:5-8)

The Voice of the Martyrs assists Somali pastors in areas of intense persecution.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

PHILIPPINES: Pastor Shot by Muslim Extremist

On Saturday evening, Aug. 27, a Muslim extremist entered the home of a Christian pastor on Jolo Island and shot him four times in the stomach, according to VOM contacts. The pastor was rushed to the local hospital, but no doctor was available to perform surgery until the following Monday morning. VOM contacts had heard rumors that the Muslim attacker was planning to return and kill the pastor, and they were in the process of making arrangements to transfer him to a better equipped facility. However, the pastor succumbed to his injuries and passed away in the late afternoon following the surgery.

He leaves behind a wife and four children. Jolo is deep in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). It is a perilous place for Christians, who rarely leave Jolo City because of the risk. Even in Jolo City, Christians are the minority and are in constant danger.

Please pray for God's comforting presence in this family's time of loss. Pray that He will be their sustainer and protector. Pray that this incident does not overwhelm or deter them in their faith in Christ. Pray also for the salvation of the Muslim attacker.

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him....Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you." (1 John 3:1, 13)

VOM assists Christians in the Philippines through its Families of Martyrs fund and VOMedical, as well as by providing motorcycles for pastors.

 

 

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"I am a Christian. I am dying today".

Monica Dra and her husband heard the marchers outside their small home in Nigeria on July 26, 2009. They heard the chants of "Allahu Akbar" and wondered what the night would hold for them and other Christians in their village.

"We had heard rumors all night that there were going to be problems," Monica told VOM, "and now I could hear them walking and slaughtering people as they went." Monica's husband, Daniel James, grabbed her, and they ran outside to escape the radical Muslim mob. But the radicals grabbed Daniel and hacked him to death with a machete.

Monica began to run, with her Bible and hymn book tucked under her arm. But members of the chanting mob grabbed her and began striking her with machetes. Seeing a cross on a chain around Monica's neck, a militant began to chop at her neck, nearly decapitating her. By the time Monica got to the hospital, she could only breathe through the gaping wound left by the lethal blade.

"I thought, 'I am a Christian,'" she said. "I am dying today."

But Monica didn't die. After six surgeries to repair her throat and close the wound in her neck, doctors were able to save her voice. Through VOMedical, Monica, a poor widow with a 5-year-old child, received excellent medical care and post-op follow-up. Thanks to generous donations from VOM supporters, Monica is among the more than 600 Christians who have received medical care after being injured because of their Christian faith.

Monica now needs only one more surgery to regain her normal speaking voice. "Now that I have my strength back, I have forgiven my attackers," Monica said. "Now I have more courage to serve the Lord much more."

We don't know where the next attack will occur. Nigeria? Indonesia? China? But VOMedical is committed to serving those who are injured by acts of persecution. Your generous support enables us to act immediately, providing care and healing to our persecuted family members.

Please click on the V.O.M. link to the right and consider giving.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

LAOS: Christian Villagers Face Tremendous Pressures

Eight Christian families in a Laotian village are being persecuted by a village leader and communist party members, according to VOM contacts.

Two Bible school students who recently visited the families told our contacts that the Christians' animals, which are vital to their welfare, are being stolen while the families are away working in their fields. These Christians walk three to four hours to reach their farms and return to the village on Thursdays and Sundays for worship services.

Recently, non-Christians took a water buffalo belonging to one of the Christians and neglected to feed and water it for a week. When the Christian discovered his water buffalo, it was dead.

The Bible school students report that the Christians' faith is very strong despite their poverty and persecution. However, children must often leave their studies to help support their families. The Christian leaders are unsure of how to improve their situation, and they request our prayers.

Please Pray!

Please pray for God's provision and intervention for these precious believers. Pray that their witness will remain strong and that they stand as beacons in the midst of darkness. Pray that the unbelievers will be drawn to the light of Christ.

"Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine." Psalm 33:18-19

VOM assists Christians in Laos by providing Bibles, Christian radio broadcasts, skills training and support for pastors.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

INDONESIA: Mission Training School Attacked

A mission training school was recently attacked by a mob of Muslims following a prayer meeting in Jonggol, West Java, according to VOM contacts.

Approximately 85 Muslims rushed into the school and raided each class and dorm room, removing pictures of Jesus. They told the staff that the school must be closed. No students were on the premises, as school was not in session that day.

Several police officers and soldiers accompanied the mob from a nearby military base and neighbors did not recognize them.

At last report, mission leaders said that they were attempting to follow up on the incident in the hopes of preventing further violence. The leaders also urged Indonesian Christians not to retaliate, but to remain calm and to pray.

The school, which was established in 1999 with the purpose of training evangelists in Indonesia, has reportedly always maintained a good relationship with its neighbors.

Pray for a hedge of protection around the training school. Pray that the staff and students would not be intimidated or discouraged, but that they would seek strength and refuge in the Lord. Pray also for the salvation of the Muslim attackers that is only found in Christ Jesus.

"Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies."

(Psalm 108:12-13)

VOM provides various forms of assistance to Christians in Indonesia, including discipleship training and transportation for pastors.

July 13, 2011

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

YOUR URGENT ACTION IS NEEDED!

Take Action on Behalf of Pastor Youcef Nadarkani!

Dear Friends:

Thank you for our active involvement in supporting the persecuted church.
VOM ministry partners have informed us that Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani's death sentence has been upheld by the Iranian Supreme Court. Your urgent action is needed!

Pastor Youcef, a leader in the Full Gospel "Church of Iran" was arrested in 2009, after protesting a decision by the government requiring that his son study the Quran. He was later sentenced to death by the Iranian regime for apostasy. Pastor Youcef appealed the decision and was waiting for the Supreme Court to review his case and decide whether to uphold the death sentence. A judicial execution of a Christian convicted of apostasy has not occurred in Iran in two decades.

Sources inside Iran have informed our ministry partners that there is no more action that can be done within the Iranian court system at this time to overturn this sentence which can be carried out at any time. The only option right now is to IMMEDIATELY and SWIFTLY raise international attention to this issue.

Please petition the Iranian leaders, United Nations and the European Union on behalf of Youcef Nadarkhani. US citizens may also wish to contact their US Representatives. Get others involved by forwarding this e-mail to everyone in your address book.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Iranian Head of Diplomatic Office
EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton
UN President, Ban Ki-Moon
Write Your US Representative

For help writing to officials click here.

Please pray that Pastor Youcef will be surrounded by God’s ministering angels in prison and that he will be filled with God’s perfect peace which surpasses understanding. Please remember his wife and children, as well. They have also suffered greatly through this ordeal.

Thank you for taking the time to get involved and inform others of this urgent situation.

Remembering the persecuted,
VOM Staff

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

UZBEKISTAN: Christians Assaulted, Beaten and Threatened

June 22nd, 2011

The situation for Christians in Uzbekistan appears to be worsening, according to recent reports by Forum 18 News Service. Police officers assaulted a woman at her home while her parents were being interrogated over their religious activity at the local police station. Sources who asked not to be identified for fear of state reprisals said, "Officers kicked the woman and hit her on the head, giving her a severe concussion."

In Tashkent, a police officer threatened to kill a Protestant Christian if he continued to challenge a fine given to him for his religious activity. "I have prepared an axe for you, which will be flying after you, observing you, and if need be kill you," sources quoted the officer as telling him.

A Tashkent investigator threatened the son of a Baptist church member that he would "beat him up and put him in prison for three months" if he did not sign statements against the church's pastor and bookkeeper whom the investigator is seeking to prosecute.

Please pray for the worsening situation for Christians in Uzbekistan. Pray that they will stand firm in their faith and not lose heart. Pray for a spiritual awakening in Uzbekistan that turns hearts to Christ.
"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.... Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you."

(I John 3:1, 13)

VOM assists Christians in Uzbekistan through its Families of Prisoners Fund, and we provide legal and financial assistance for pastors.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

Testimony of a Vietnamese Bible Student – Your Efforts Are Paying Off!

Dear Friends:

Thank you for your ongoing love, care and support for the persecuted church.

We recently received several testimonies from Bible seminary students who receive our support in Vietnam. God is doing great things in their spiritual lives; giving them a deeper understanding of the scriptures, developing spiritual discernment and giving them a hunger for sharing the truth about Jesus Christ.

Read how your support has affected Vietnamese seminary student, "Cheng Lee," and his promise to share the gospel with others in this communist country.

"I want to thank God for allowing me to come and study the Bible for about 2 years now. Because of lack of the truth and knowledge of the Bible, most of the leaders can't lead and disciple the believers. Most of the leaders teach laws and religious ritual other than the Word of God. This year I went home and saw that the church didn't one [sic] another like it used to, because the leaders asked the believers to follow laws and do whatever they wanted instead of following the Word of God. ...
"My vision for going to Bible school [is to] bring the truth of the Bible and train the leaders of the church; train them to lead according to the Word of God; train them to understand and interpret the Bible accurately; know how to preach to the congregation. The leaders need to lead the people to change according to the Bible, not laws and religious ritual. In order to change, we need to disciple everyone to love each other and serve God all over Vietnam. ...
"When I finish my education, I want to go teach, train and disciple believers to grow in the faith so that they can go and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those that don't know Him. Many of them still live in sin, remove the name of God, don't know the true love of God, and don't understand what salvation is. My goals in life to help believers grow in the faith to maturity and to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the all people that don’t know God.
"I am grateful for the sponsors that support me financially so that I can go to Bible school. My family still struggles and can’t help support me. If there no support from the sponsors I will not achieve my vision and goals in life. I want to thank you for all the sponsors. Please continue to pray for me and the goals I have for the future. I hope that one day I will learn from you to help me serve the people in Vietnam. In the future, I hope that we can come together to help encourage the believers in Vietnam to grow in the faith and help taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the corners of the world. Thank you."

Please pray for Cheng Lee and other future Christian leaders of Vietnam. We thank God that because of supporters like you we are able to help them grow in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord and strengthen their ministries.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

EGYPT: Muslims Attack Christian Churches

At least 12 people were killed and more than 200 were wounded on May 7, when several hundred ultraconservative Salafist Muslims attacked two churches and surrounding Christian-owned homes and businesses in the Imbaba district, a poor section of Cairo.

The Muslims gathered outside the Coptic St. Mena Church, protesting over the allegation that a Christian woman was being held there against her will because she had married a Muslim man and converted to Islam. In attempts to dispel the rumor, head clergymen of St. Mina allowed a group of Islamic imams into the church to search for the woman. Violence erupted though, according to witnesses at the scene, the imams declared to the gathering Muslims that the woman wasn't in the building.

After unsuccessfully trying to push through barricades the Christians had managed to erect, the rioters went to the nearby Virgin Mary Church and set it and other homes ablaze.

Sources: BBC News and Compass Direct News
Photo: Compass Direct News

Please pray for the volatile situation in Egypt. Pray for members of the church that was burned and those who were injured in the attacks. Pray that God will comfort the families of those slain. Pray also that God would block the Muslim Brotherhood from coming into power and raise up God-fearing men and women to govern Egypt.

"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." 1 Peter 5:10

VOM assists Christians in Egypt through its Family of Prisoners Fund, Christian radio broadcasts and discipleship training for Muslim converts.

May 18th, 2011

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

CHINA: Shouwang Church Members Arrested

Members of the Shouwang congregation in China were arrested on May 15 as they gathered to pray in the commercial area of Zhongguancun in Beijing.

Shouwang Church is the largest unregistered church in Beijing, and its leaders have been in an ongoing battle with authorities since being forced out of their worship space and prevented from renting or buying a new building.

On April 10, police detained 169 members attempting to hold services in a public park. On Easter Sunday, police detained about 34 church members. Despite the mounting persecution, house church leaders are taking a stand for the Shouwang congregation. Nineteen house church leaders are petitioning China's legislature to resolve the ongoing tensions and to guarantee religious freedom in their country. The full text of the petition is available here.

Sources: Christian Broadcasting Network and ChinaAid - Photo: ChinaAid

Please pray for house church Christians and leaders in China. Pray that God would grant them favor with the authorities and that His will prevails.

"This You have seen, O LORD; do not keep silence. O Lord, do not be far from me. Stir up Yourself, and awake to my vindication, to my cause, my God and my Lord. Vindicate me, O LORD my God, according to Your righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me. Let them not say in their hearts, 'Ah, so we would have it!' Let them not say, 'We have swallowed
him up.'" Psalm 35:22-25

VOM assists Chinese Christians by providing Bibles, Christian literature, scholarships for training and emergency aid to families of prisoners.

May 25th, 2011

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

Epidemic Of Christian Persecution Continues

The following is just a brief expose’ of persecution representing a short span of time. Some people say Christians are the least persecuted of all the religions – nothing could be further from the truth!

CHINA: One Human Rights Activist Freed and Another Disappears

Two days after US-China human rights talks concluded on Apr. 29, human rights lawyer, Teng Biao, was freed by Chinese authorities after 70 days of detention without charge. At the news of his release, many expressed the hope that there would be an easing of the persecution taking place, perhaps as a result of two days of talks between China and the United States on human rights held in Beijing last week. However, the same day Teng was released, an "unknown" group kidnapped the lawyer Li Fangping. Teng and Li are Christians and known defenders of human rights activists, both members of the China Christian Association for the Defense of Rights. Since mid-February the authorities have unleashed the worst crackdown since 1998 against rights activists and dissidents, also for fear of protests inspired by the 2011 Tunisian revolution (Jasmine revolution). The persecution also affects the Christian groups, because many of these activists are practicing Christians.

[Source: Asia News] – May 4th, 2011

IRAN: Revolutionary Guard Infiltrating Iranian Christian Groups in Turkey

Following the recent wave of aggressive intimidation and imprisonment of Christians in Iran, the intelligence gathering arm of its Revolutionary Guard has been collecting information from Iranian Christians who have escaped to Turkey. The ranks of fleeing Christians have been infiltrated by the Iranian agents posing as refugees. They try to elicit names and addresses of other Christians or family members still under the yoke of the Islamic Republic to later be used in TV confessions, show trials, and kangaroo courts. This information is used to manipulate, accuse and denounce the helpless ones languishing inside Iran's notorious prisons. According to reports received, detainees are under immense physical and psychological pressure to appear on TV and admit to criminal activities against the Islamic republic, as well as personal misconduct within the underground church.

[Source: Farsi Christian News Network] – April 20th, 2011

NIGERIA: Muslims Target Christians in Riots over Election Results

Muslim protestors went on a murdering rampage throughout northern Nigeria following the presidential elections on Apr. 16, in which the Muslim candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, was defeated by Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian. According to VOM contacts the election was deemed transparent, free, fair and credible. Though the crisis started as a political protest, it rapidly escalated into anti-Christian violence. Numerous churches, Christian businesses, homes and cars were burned and destroyed. Thousands of Christians are now trapped and spread throughout military and security barracks. VOM contacts state they have never seen anything like this in northern Nigeria before. One VOM contact wrote, "The state governorship election [is] still to come. We only pray that things will be under control. We call on brothers and sisters all around the world to pray, for God to take control." – April 27th, 2011

VIETNAM AND LAOS: Soldiers Attack Hmong Christians

Thousands of Viet-Hmong Christians from Dien Bien province who are staging mass protests demanding religious freedom and land reforms have been attacked by Vietnam and Laos security forces. Since last Tuesday dozens have been killed, many more wounded and hundreds are missing. "The government launched an aggressive crackdown on May 3, dispatching military and police units to seal off the region and attacking peaceful protestors," according to a local source. The source emphasized that, "Military units from Laotian provinces of Xieng Khouang, Khammoune and Luang Prabang were sent to the area to arrest all those who try to flee to Laos." Christianity practiced by the Hmong community is seen by authorities and sections of the Vietnamese and Lao society as an American or imperialist "import" into the country and a threat to the communist rule.

[Sources: Independent Catholic News and World Evangelical Alliance - Religious Liberty Commission] – May 11th, 2011

AZERBAIJAN: Worshipers Threatened With Arrest

The government has forbidden three Protestant groups in Gyanja to have worship meetings, according to an Apr. 8 report by Forum 18 News Service. Locals, who spoke anonymously for fear of state reprisals, informed Forum 18 that authorities warned one group, "If they met for worship on the following Sunday or at any future date they will all be arrested." The following Sunday, local and riot police arrived at the church in two buses to stop any worship. Protestants told Forum 18 that church officials reluctantly decided not to hold a Sunday service. "People are now very afraid." Many religious groups have told Forum 18 that registering for legal status is "a torturous process," and complaints to officials about slowness and hostility are dismissed. Ironically, President Ilham Aliev said recently that "freedom of religion and freedom of conscience have been fully established in Azerbaijan." – April 13th, 2011

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

VIETNAM: Increased Persecution of Christians

According to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), the Vietnamese government has intensified its repression of the Montagnards (mountain people), the indigenous minority Christian community in the Central Highland provinces. According to the report, the crackdown came in response to the Montagnards' calls for religious freedom and land rights.

The Vietnamese government does not regard the Montagnards as a legitimate religious group but rather as a cover for an independence movement.

Montagnards who have fled Vietnam told HRW of arrests, imprisonments, torture and severe beatings.

HRW's deputy Asia director, Phil Robertson, said, "Montagnards face harsh persecution in Vietnam, particularly those who worship in independent house churches, because the authorities don't tolerate religious activity outside their sight or control."

[Source: Christian Today]

Please pray for God's protection of the Montagnard Christians. Pray that the harassment and repression inflicted on them by the government will increase their boldness rather than cause them to become fearful. Pray that the government leaders will come to trust in Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." Romans 8:16-17

VOM provides assistance to Vietnamese believers by providing Bibles, shortwave radios, Christian literature and support for families of prisoners.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

The Montagnard Cause

North Korea Primer

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

CHINA: Police Raid Christian Gathering

On Feb. 23 around 20 Christians gathered for a lecture on their church's legal rights in Yangdang Town, Zaoyang City of Hubei. Police raided the meeting, confiscated property, beat several of the attendees and took all of them to the police station.

The victims described the terrifying ordeal: "[The police] smashed the door open...without presenting any legal documents or going through any legally required procedures. They shot tear gas at our group.... Many police officers and plainclothes agents beat two sisters to the floor.... They passed out on the spot with foam coming from their mouths and [convulsing]. ...they destroyed any evidence of their illegal law enforcement.... Many camcorders, cameras and cell phones were confiscated by force and destroyed."

[Source/Photo: ChinaAid]

- View government's explanation about raid -

Offer praise to God that despite persecution Christianity is growing in China! Pray for healing for the believers who were injured in the raid. Pray that God will calm their fears and restore peace and joy in their hearts. Pray for President Hu Jintao and other government officials to find salvation in Christ.

"So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." Acts 5:41

VOM assists Chinese Christians by providing Bibles, Christian literature, scholarships for training and emergency aid to families of prisoners.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

ASIA BIBI LANGUISHES IN PRISON; HER ADVOCATES SILENCED

As many of you know, on Nov. 8, 2010 Asia Bibi was the first woman to be sentenced to death by hanging under Pakistan's blasphemy law. Asia Bibi was arrested on June 19, 2009, after she engaged in an intense discussion with a group of women who worked with her. Answering their calls for her to accept Islam, Asia told them Jesus is alive, but Mohammad is dead. "Our Christ is the true prophet of God," she reportedly told them, "and yours is not true." Upon hearing this, the Muslim women became angry and began to beat Asia, who was taken into police custody and then later condemned to die.

In the weeks after, there was an enormous international outcry denouncing the blasphemy law. Since then, there have be several troubling developments we want you to be aware of so you can pray accordingly.

Sherry Rehman, the People's Party parliamentarian who submitted a bill to amend the blasphemy law, has been receiving death threats from Islamic radicals. The bill was withdrawn last month after the Pakistan Prime Minister announced that the government would not amend the law.

Salman Taseer, the former Governor of Punjab Province and advocate of Asia Bibi, was assassinated on Jan. 4 by his personal bodyguard, Mumtaz Qadri. Taseer had been commissioned by President Asif Ali Zardari to conduct a ministerial review of Asia Bibi's case. He found the verdict unsound and recommended a presidential pardon. Qadri, who openly confessed to killing Taseer, told authorities he was angered by Taseer’s support for the proposed amendment to the blasphemy law and for Asia Bibi. Qadri was hailed a hero by his supporters, including a number of lawyers, who showered him with rose petals at his first court appearance.

Shahbaz Bhatti, another proponent of amending the blasphemy law, was killed on Mar. 2 by militant Islamic extremists. Bhatti, a Federal Minister and the only Christian in the Pakistani cabinet, worked on Asia Bibi's behalf and spoke out against the blasphemy law. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the murder of Bhatti. The assassins left leaflets at the scene of the attack which stated they killed him for being a blasphemer.

In light of these events, VOM contacts in Pakistan have expressed concern for Asia Bibi's lawyer. He may be the next target, or he may refuse to represent her further due to the increasing danger.

Even if Asia Bibi's sentence is overturned her safety in Pakistan is suspected. That’s because in Dec. 2010, a Muslim cleric offered a $5,800 reward to anyone who killed Asia Bibi in prison.

Asia's husband, Ashiq Masih, and their children are constantly on the run in Pakistan due to death threats. Other vocal supporters of amending the blasphemy law have had to flee the country because of threats to them and their families.

Please take the time to pray for and write to Asia Bibi and the government officials in Pakistan. Login to the Be-A-Voice Network or go to Prisoner Alert to find Asia Bibi’s profile and contact information. Though there had been talk of moving Asia to another prison, we have not received confirmation that she has been moved. Therefore, please use the address provided in these links.

Again, we thank you for your love and support for the persecuted church. "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16b

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

LAOS: Situation Critical for Expelled Christians

An advocacy group reports that Christians ousted from a village in Ta-Oih Provinceare at a "critical stage" because they do not have enough food or water.

In January 2010, officials forced at gunpoint 48 Christians out of Katin village after they repeatedly refused to give up their faith. The officials left them to find shelter several miles outside the village and confiscated the Christians' homes, livestock, and essential belongings.

Eleven months later, in December 2010, officials forced an additional 15 Christians, from the village. The 11 families welcomed them and built additional shelters for them, though they had limited food and water supplies.

During the expulsion, one man has died and at least two ostracized villagers were hospitalized in April because they lacked clean drinking water, adequate food or housing.

[Sources: Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom and Compass Direct News]

Please Pray!

Pray that God will give these precious believers supernatural strength to endure. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Pray that he will supply all their needs according to his riches in glory by whatever means he sees fit. Ask God to replace the stony hearts of the village officials with hearts of flesh, that they would find salvation in Christ.

"You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:34-36

VOM assists Christians in Laos by providing Bibles, Christian radio broadcasts, skills training and support for pastors.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

Egypt: More Attacks on Christians

On Feb. 20 and 21 armed forces demolished fences surrounding three ancient Coptic monasteries in different locations around the country. The fences were erected after the Jan. 25 uprising and attacks on the property by escaped prisoners. In one attack six Coptics were injured, one is still hospitalized in critical condition.

In another incident, about 3,000 Christians took to the streets in the southern city of Assuit, to protest the killing of a Coptic priest, Father Daoud Boutros. They believe Father Boutros' death was a result of a divide between Muslims and minority Christians.

The priest was found dead in his home by his daughter on Feb. 23. A fellow clergyman said he had been stabbed several times. "Someone had broken into the safe and we found it was empty, indicating it was a robbery," a police official said.

Neighbors reported seeing masked men leaving the home shouting, "Allahu Akbar," Arabic for "God is great."

[Sources: CBN and Assyrian International News Agency]

Hope reigns in Egypt after the fall of President Mubarak, but pray that Muslim extremists do not gain a foothold during this time of transition thus placing Christians in a more vulnerable position. Pray that God would put righteous men in power who will protect the rights of Christians. Pray for the family of Father Boutros and those injured in recent attacks. Pray for general protection for Christians.

"LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more." Psalm 10:17-18

VOM assists Christians in Egypt through its Family of Prisoners Fund, Christian radio broadcasts and discipleship training for Muslim converts.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

India: Hindus Incited Against Christians at Major Gathering

The Narmada Samajik Kumbh, a major Hindu rally that drew nearly 2 million people to the banks of Narmada River, came to a close on Feb. 13. The incendiary rhetoric against Christians at the gathering in Madhya Pradesh has incited fear and pushed Christian leaders to ask the government for protection.

Father George, a Catholic priest in charge of Mission Mandala, said that most of the anti-Christian speeches at the Kumbh were directed against Christian missionaries. In particular, the last speaker said that Christians are here primarily to carry out conversions. He said, "Christians are like bed bugs, who hide under the guise of so-called missionary work, and drink the blood of the innocent vulnerable people and bed bugs should be killed or else they will continue drinking blood."

Though Father George pointed out that people seemed uninterested in these talks, he expressed concern about the impact this Kumbh may have on Christian missionaries.

[Source: Asia News]

Pray that the hate-filled words of the speakers will fall to the ground and die and that they will not take root in the hearts and minds of the people. Pray for a hedge of protection around Christians and missionaries in India and for Hindu conversions to Christ.

"Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us." Isaiah 8:10

VOM provides assistance to persecuted believers in India by supplying Bibles and other resources. VOM's Families of Martyrs fund is used to assist families who have lost loved ones in attacks.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer