Persecution Watch Weblog

Hebrews 13:3 (King James Version)

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body

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“After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’”(Genesis 15:1)

CHINA 21 House Church Leaders Simultaneously Sentenced to Labor Camp – China Aid
Association

China Aid Association (CAA) reports 21 senior house church leaders were recently simultaneously sentenced to
a labor camp by the Linyi City Re-education Through Labor Commission. According to CAA, “The leaders were detained
on December 7, 2007 when they gathered for leadership training with 249 other leaders in Hedong district, Linyi
city, Shandong province. After paying fines and finishing detention ranging from a few days to a few weeks, 249
leaders were released. The 21 most senior leaders were sentenced to three years to one year and three months.”
The Public Security Bureau has accused and labeled the house church leaders as “evil cult” members. Of the 21
leaders sent to the labor camp, 12 are men and four are women. Pray for these believers and their families
during this difficult time. Ask God to protect and encourage them. Pray they will be a good witness of Christ’s
love to other prisoners and their captors.
Psalm 27:1

SRI LANKA Pastor Killed, Wife in Seriously Injured in Attack – National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka

On February 17, Pastor Neil Edirisinghe, of the House Church Foundation, was gunned down by two assailants
outside his home in Ampara, Sri Lanka. According to a report by the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of
Sri Lanka (NCEASL), “Pastor Edirisinghe was engaged in the Lord’s ministry in Ampara for many years. The attackers
also shot his wife in the stomach. At last report, she was in the hospital in critical condition. Their
two-year-old son who received a minor injury in the attack is also suffering from trauma.” NCEASL added the motive
for the attacks was believed to be in response to Pastor Edirisinghe’s ministry. The Voice of the Martyrs is
assisting the family during this difficult time. Pray for peace and comfort for Pastor Edirisinghe’s family. Pray
for a speedy recovery for his wife and child and for them to rely on the great Comforter, the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 107:2

GAZA YMCA Library Bombed – VOM Sources

On February 16, unidentified assailants bombed the library of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)
compound in the Shajaiyeh neighborhood of Gaza city. According to VOM sources, shortly after midnight, at least
12 gunmen entered the YMCA compound and kidnapped two guards at gunpoint after asking them why they worked for
“infidels.” The men stormed the building and detonated two homemade explosive devices inside the library. All
8,000 books in the library were destroyed and the floor, walls and ceiling were damaged. The attackers stole
computers and other equipment from other YMCA offices. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. .
However, sources in Gaza reportedly believe that the perpetrators were Muslim militants acting in response to
the reproduction of cartoons “ridiculing” Muhammad in a number of Danish newspapers last week. Praise God no
one was injured in this attack. Ask God to protect and give wisdom to believers in Gaza. Pray the attackers
will come into contact with the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Joshua 1:9

ETHIOPIA Christian Couple Beaten and Chased From Mosque – VOM Sources

On February 10, Muslin Christian converts, Jemmal Abdo and his wife, were beaten and chased out from a mosque
where they both worked in the capital city of Addis Ababa. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts,
“Jemmal and his wife accepted Christ two months ago. Soon after their conversion Jemmal’s friend saw him
talking with Christians and told the imam of the mosque. Jemmal and his wife were interrogated in the mosque
during a meeting called by Muslim leaders in an attempt to persuade the couple to recant their faith. The
couple refused to do so, even after the leaders offered them higher positions and salaries if they denied
Christ. The couple was beaten and dragged out of the mosque.” Jemmal and his wife were able to flee to a new
location for safety. Pray for the speedy recovery for Jemmal and his wife, who were injured in the attack. Ask
God to strengthen them and provide for them as they stand strong in their new found faith in Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 54:17

From this page:

Eritrea (MNN) – Authorities in the East African country of Eritrea released 35 evangelical Christians in the port city of Massawa after holding them in custody for six weeks at a local police station. All the jailed believers were members of the government-banned Faith of Christ Church.

Compass Director reports that 35 men and women had been worshiping in a private home on Jan. 6 when security officials raided the house and arrested those present. The group was denied visitation rights while in police custody, although official charges were never filed against them. Three days earlier, 10 members of the Full Gospel Church who had been incarcerated for five years in Assab’s notorious military prison were released on bail.

The seven men and three women had been transferred from Assab to the Adi-Abyto prison six months ago. Local sources confirmed this week that a senior pastor in the Kale Hiwot Church remains imprisoned in Asmara Police Station No. 5 since his arrest nearly five months ago. Pastor Oqbamichael Tekle-Haimanot was jailed on Oct. 1, 2007. He has been subjected to 10 months of solitary confinement and hard labor for participating in a Protestant Christian wedding in January 2005.

Continue to pray that believers will be bold in their faith and that the church will grow despite the oppression.

From this page:

Jordan (MNN) – Christians in predominately-Muslim Jordan are facing a bit of uncertainty following
Jordan’s acknowledgement that they’re expelling foreign Christians for preaching the Gospel. This action is
a surprise to many evangelicals, including
Partners International.

“Carlos” works with Partners International. “They have been trying over the years to really strike a balance between their internal security and everything else that’s happening around the world. And, I think, in this particular case they are taking a measure that is taking them to extremes that we haven’t seen before.”

Carlos gives some examples. “Some churches have been shut down. Some church workers have been summoned to the police station for interrogation. We almost see the writing on the wall as far as our involvement there.”

Partners International has been helping to support the church in Jordan, which has been very open to Christians until now. Is it intended to be blatant persecution against Christians? “I wouldn’t call it blatant persecution,” says Carlos. “I would just call it a desperate measure by a well-intended but ill-informed government.”

In the government’s mind, the expulsions are being handed down to avoid violence between Christians and Muslims. Carlos says this could have a negative impact on tourism. “The no-so-naive visitor will see it as a Jordanian admission that things are really going beyond their control — to basically accept that the problems are actually beyond the means that they currently have to maintain order,” says Carlos.

Christians make up about six-percent of the population and have been an integral part of society serving as members of parliament, the government and the armed forces. Jordan is also considered a place of Biblical history, as some suggest Jesus was baptized on the Jordanian side of the Jordan River.

While Jordan has made this move to preserve peace, Carlos doesn’t agree with the decision. “We believe the Gospel is the best message. In fact, it’s a message of peace for Jordan. I think the Jordanian government should realize the Christian minority has a tremendous influence beyond their size in Jordan.”

Despite the action taken against Christians, Carlos says, “We have renewed our commitment to bring the Good News to the Jordanian people. We don’t want to do anything that is bringing trouble to Jordan, but we believe the Gospel of Peace does exactly that–it brings peace. So we’re committed to make Jordan a better nation.”

Pray for the Christians who remain in Jordan. Also, “pray for the Jordanian government and his majesty,” says Carlos, “that the Lord will allow him to have the freedom to see how to best move as he’s trying to keep stability in a country that’s really in the middle of a lot of problems.”

From this page:

Belarus (MNN) – Foreign religious workers are concerned over the tightening of restrictions in Belarus. Decisions on whether their religious work is necessary now come from the top religious affairs official.

According to Forum 18 News, the Plenipotentiary for Religious and Ethnic Affairs has the right not to give reasons for refusing a foreign religious worker’s visit and to shorten a visit.

Under the existing law, foreign workers must have an invitation from registered religious associations, but the process for registration is complicated, as is the new procedure for the invitation.

In 2002, a new religion law came into effect. Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, the law lumps many religious activities as illegal. Under it, all unregistered religious activity, communities with fewer than 20 members, and any religious activity in private homes go against the law.

Religious organizations were required to be re-registered by November, 2004. However, registration is often a difficult process, and many organizations, including some with thousands of members, have been unable to register. Officials frequently use the media to insult religious minorities, insulting their beliefs, and attempting to incite hostility against them.

For those religious communities that don’t have a registered umbrella body, they can’t invite foreign citizens for religious work. On top of that, all religious literature is subject to censorship.

Pray for wisdom for Christians as they minister under these repressive conditions. Pray that they will rely on the Spirit of God for guidance.

Visit this link to our Urgent Prayer chain online.

NIGERIA One Dead, 60 Injured in Muslim Attacks on Christians – VOM Sources

On February 2, one Christian was killed, 60 others injured, and churches, businesses and homes set on fire,
in the latest Muslim attacks on Christians in Bauchi state, Nigeria. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts
in Nigeria, “One Christian man was killed, over 60 people were seriously injured and five churches were damaged.”
This latest attack took place after two friends, a Christian lady and a Muslim man, had a disagreement. VOM contacts
report, “These two were said to be friends of some sort until they had a disagreement on February 1. The Muslim man
claimed that the Christian lady made some blasphemous utterances against the Prophet Muhammad. They were said to have
parted ways that day without much trouble, but with a threat from the man that he would deal with the lady in his own
way.” VOM contacts added that the following day the Muslim man ganged up with Muslim extremists and started searching
for the lady. “The lady was alerted of the attack and ran to the police station. The gang traced her to the police
station and insisted the police release her. When the police did not release her, the attackers set the police
station on fire. After the lady and the police escaped, the Muslim extremists attacked Christian homes, churches and
shops,” VOM contacts said. Believers who lived in the damaged and destroyed homes have not returned because of fear
they might be attacked again. Pray for Christians in this state. Ask God to comfort the family of the deceased and
those injured. Pray these believers will be encouraged to remain faithful in their walk with the Lord.
Psalm 23:3-5

ALGERIA Christians Under Increased Pressure – VOM Sources/ Middle East Concern
Christian leaders in Algeria have asked for international support following recent incidents that threaten human
rights, especially religious rights. According to a February 7 report from Middle East Concern, believers are under
pressure because the local Algerian media has been running an intense campaign against the church. Seven Christian
fellowships are known to have been closed by the authorities and several believers have been arrested and formally
charged. Pray that the closed fellowships will be opened, those arrested will be acquitted and for God to turn the
negative media reports and use them for good. Ask God to encourage believers in Algeria and for the officials
persecuting them. Pray they will hear the message of Jesus Christ. Romans 15:3-5

CHINA Women Detained and Treated Indecently by Police – China Aid Association
On February 2, two Christian women, Meng Xiu Lan and Zhou Cheng Xiu, were detained by police in Jun Tun County,
Yunan Province, after they were found distributing Christmas cards. According to China Aid Association (CAA), the
two women, aged 55 and 53 respectively, were “threatened, mocked, stripped and frisked violently.” CAA added,
“Police then handcuffed the two women and escorted them back to their homes. After searching the homes, police
illegally confiscated CDs, handouts, Bibles, song books and calendars, without proper documentation.” Pray the
Lord comforts and encourages these women after this difficult experience. Ask God to use their testimony to draw
nonbelievers, including their persecutors, into fellowship with Him. Isaiah 53:4-5

EGYPT Egyptian Court Recognizes Faith of 12 Converts to Christianity – VOM Sources
Praise God! An Egyptian court has recognized the faith of 12 converts to Christianity. The decision overturns a
lower court ruling which said the state need not recognize conversions from Islam because it constituted “apostasy,”
an act often treated as a capital crime in the Muslim world. A lawyer for the 12 Coptic Christians described the
case as a victory for human rights and freedom of religion that will open the door for hundreds of other Copts who
want to return to their original faith from Islam. There is concern, however, over the ruling’s mandate that the
converts’ former religion must be noted in their official documents, as this could leave them vulnerable to
discrimination. Thank the Lord for this victory. Pray that these individuals will not be subject to further
discrimination. Pray that those who were born into Muslim families and convert to Christianity will also have
their conversions recognized by the Egyptian government. Psalm 103:1-5

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Pakistan (MNN) – Voice of the Martyrs Canada reported that the night of February 11, Daniel Sodager Masih was beaten for preaching.
Sodager refused to stop preaching God’s Word when a Muslim man came out of his shop to the roadside where
Sodager was to shout at him.

The encounter escalated after that when another Muslim man came and began beating 55 year-old Sodager.

Another news report stated that Sodager’s right ear, mouth and eyes were injured during the attack.
The report also said that, the same day, 500 Christian men and women marched to the office of a Christian
politician named Tariq Jarev Tariq to demand that the attackers were brought to justice. They came shouting
Jesus’ name asking for equality in religious rights. Christian shopkeepers closed their shops in protest.

The same report said that the two men accused of the attack had been arrested but no report had been filed at that time.

A local man reported that Sodager has been preaching this way for 25 years.

An Open Doors report from Pakistan recently voiced concern that there is extremist Muslim influence moving
into Lahore. Sharia law was adopted in Pakistan in 1998. A field officer from a Christian NGO urged authorities
to bring justice to the criminals or risk hunger strikes and weekly protests because of the incident with Sodager.

Azerbaijan is a small country between Russia and Iran where Islam is a dominant force. Just 17 years ago,
there was no church in Azerbaijan. Now, there are more than 18,000 Christians— all of whom are Muslim-background
believers. One courageous church leader now urgently needs our prayers.

When Zaur Balaev gave his life to Jesus in 1992, he was the very first convert in the rural village of Aliabad to turn from Islam to follow Christ. And within a year he began a house church and started leading his neighbors to Christ.

Zaur felt called by God to become a pastor, so he attended Bible college and became the first pastor in the Zaqatala region. He then built a small church building in his front yard and started holding two services a week attended by some 50 church members, all between the ages of 20 and 35.

But the government would not recognize his church. And the persecution began.

“We’ve asked many times for registration since 1993 but we keep getting denied,” Pastor Zaur explained. “This means we can’t openly talk about our faith and we can’t share Christian literature with people. The local government, the police and the KGB all pressure us.”

Pastor Zaur and ten of his church members lost their jobs because of their faith. And a new business that Pastor Zaur has been trying to open for three years has been consistently opposed by officials.

“Even when I do exactly what they say, they always find something else wrong,” said Pastor Zaur. “The KGB threatened me saying, ‘We can find something wrong in your life and throw you in jail.’ It’s a constant pressure on me.”

Just over a year ago Pastor Zaur pleaded, “Please pray for me. I believe in prayer and if we pray together, God will help.” But when Pastor Zaur shared these words, no one could have known just how much he would need prayer in the days ahead.

Jailed on False Charges

In May 2007, Pastor Zaur was detained by police and in August—despite the absence of evidence—he was sentenced to two years in prison for “violence against a state representative when carrying out official duties.”

Pastor Zaur has been jailed in terrible conditions in a cell known as the “frog pool” which has no proper toilet or ventilation. Since his detention, Zaur has suffered two heart attacks and is experiencing kidney pain.

First Generation Church Under Fire

The young church in Azerbaijan is also in need of your prayers. It has only existed since 1990 and is made up entirely of Muslim-background believers.

Although Azerbaijan is officially a secular state with religious freedom, Muslims are the dominant force in the government. Christianity is viewed as a threat to the country, and Christians are portrayed as traitors and criminals—often on national television.

The government pressures converts by using surveillance, interrogation, arrest, harassment, media attacks and forcing believers out of their jobs. They are closely monitored by the police, KGB and local Islamic authorities.

Indirect pressure is also used on the converts’ relatives and employers to try and coerce Christians to return to Islam. This pressure stirs up anti-Christian sentiment resulting in social ostracism and discrimination.

It is almost impossible for churches to be granted official registration, so most churches operate illegally. It’s equally difficult to receive authorization for the import or publication of Bibles and Christian literature.

Young and Vulnerable

The church is at a critical stage; it’s a first generation church that is young and vulnerable… experiencing strong opposition from Islam and local authorities without the spiritual and material resources it needs.

Please pray for our very dangerous and secretive work with our Muslim-background brothers and sisters in Azerbaijan. And please pray for Pastor Zaur and his family during this extremely difficult time.

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“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your
righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. ” (Psalm 37:5-6)

MALAYSIA Bibles Confiscated at Airport – Compass Direct News

On January 28, a customs officer confiscated two boxes containing 32 Bibles from a Christian woman in a Kuala
Lumpur airport in Malaysia. According to Compass Direct News, “Online news agency Malaysiakini reported that upon
arrival at the airport, Juliana Nichols was asked to open boxes and declare their contents. Despite producing a
letter from her parish priest stating that the English Bibles were meant for use in her church, the officer told
Nichols the texts needed to be cleared with the Internal Security Ministry’s Control Division of Publications and
Al-Quran Texts.” The Compass report added that Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri, general secretary of the Council of
Churches of Malaysia, released a statement stating, “The Bible is Holy Scripture for Christians,” and “no authority
on earth should deny Christians the right to possess, read and travel with their Bibles.” Shastri called for the
immediate release of the Bibles and an official apology from the customs department. This incident is the latest
in a series of seizures of Christian literature by the Malaysian government. Pray for the people of Malaysia, who
are concerned by the government’s crackdown on religious freedom. Ask God to protect and encourage Malay-Muslim
converts who are cut off from meeting with a larger fellowship of believers. Joshua 1:9

CHINA Christian Leader Detained – China Aid Association

On January 29, Bai Cheng, a Christian leader, was detained in Luoyang, Henan Province. According to China Aid
Association (CAA), Cheng was arrested while he was leading a Bible study. CAA reported, “That same day Cheng’s
sister-in-law received a criminal detention notice issued by the Public Security Bureau of Luoyang stating that
Cheng had been put in criminal detention at Luoyang City Detention Center for his suspected participation in ‘evil
cult’ activities under Article 61 of China’s criminal law.”The police confiscated two computers from Cheng’s car.
Isaiah 54: 17

IRAN New Draft Law Proposing Death Penalty for Apostasy – Institute on Religion
and Public Policy

The Iranian parliament is reviewing a bill for the Islamic Penal Law (Penal Code) that legislates the death
penalty for apostasy. According to the Institute on Religion and Public Policy, the draft law defines an apostate
as “any Muslim who clearly announces that he/she has left Islam and declares blasphemy.” This proposed law is
aimed to deter conversion from Islam. Pray for strength, wisdom and grace for believers in Iran as they faithfully
continue to share Christ despite pressure from the Islamic government. Psalm 119:105

BELARUS Government Renews Pressure on Baptists – Forum 18 News

The Belarus government has recently issued fines to the Baptist Council of Churches for “unregistered
activity.” According to Forum 18 News, this increased pressure is aimed at pressuring Baptists to register
their church activity. Forum reported, “The Council’s congregations reject state registration in post-Soviet
countries, believing that it leads to government interference.” Nikolai Varushin, who recently faced persecution
told Forum, “This is our path; we are prepared to suffer for our faith. We just pray that our people will
remain true to the Lord.” Pray for believers in Belarus. Ask God to encourage them to remain courageous in the
midst of increased persecution. Psalm 37:23

Eritrea (MNN)– The latest news from Eritrea, according to
Voice of the Martyrs Canada,
is that the government arrested 30 Christian youth around two weeks ago.

The youth belonged to the Pentecostal Church in the Red Sea port city of Massawa.

Meanwhile, there are new reports surfacing that 35 men, women, and children were also arrested from an
underground church in Eritrea. The prisoners were sent to one of the country’s most brutal prisons.

In the capital of Asmara, prisoners are tortured to reveal the names of other believers. Even the few
recognized Christian churches are not spared persecution.

Despite this open persecution, the government continues to support its statement issued in May 2003 that
“no groups or persons are persecuted in Eritrea for their beliefs or religion.”

The country also has over 2,000 Christians imprisoned in inhumane conditions. All have been denied legal
counsel or trial, with no written charges filed against them.

Pray for God to sustain the imprisoned Christians by His peace and grace. Pray for Eritrean believers to
continue to stand boldly in their faith in Christ despite severe persecution.

CHINA Police Attack House Church Members After Burning Bibles – China Aid Association

On January 23, members of a house church in Yunan Province were severely beaten by police officials when
they went to the Xishan District Public Security Bureau (PSB) to ask about their property which had been
confiscated. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Chen Xiqiong and Liang Guihua walked into the PSB office
and requested an account of items, including Bibles which were taken from their house church and burned by police
officers in early December 2007. CAA said, “After ignoring the member’s request, officials proceeded to violently
remove them from office. One female church member, 54-year-old Liang Guihua, was thrown into a wall and rendered
unconscious for more than 10 minutes. After the assault the members went to a local hospital for evaluation.
Officials who witnessed the event refuse to testify on the members’ behalf.” Pray for healing for those believers
injured in this attack. Ask God to protect and encourage Christians in China who face increased persecution.
Isaiah 54:14

ERITREA Christians Arrested in Massawa – VOM Sources, Gulf Information Center

Thirty Christian youth belonging to the Pentecostal Church in the Red Sea port city of Massawa were arrested
by Eritrean government officials. According to a January 27 report from Gulf Information Center, “A campaign to
arrest Christians had spread to several other cities, including the capital city of Asmara, where detainees were
being forced under torture to reveal the names of other believers.” Pray God sustains the imprisoned believers.
Pray Eritrean believers continue to stand boldly in their faith despite severe persecution.
2 Timothy 1:7

NORTH KOREA Jailed Christian Worker Freed – VOM Sources

A Canadian aid worker, Je Yell Kim, who was arrested by North Korean security officials on charges related
to “national security” in the city of Rajin while trying to cross the North Korean border to China on November
3, was released late last week. Kim’s release followed the diplomatic visit of Ted Lipman, Canada’s ambassador
to South Korea, to the capital of Pyongyang last week. Foreign Affairs did not comment on the nature of the
negotiations involved in Kim’s release. The exact charges on which he was arrested remain unknown. However,
during an interrogation, Kim reportedly wrote in a statement that he had criticized the North Korean regime and
tried to set up a church in the northern area of the country. Kim also oversees a dental clinic and two hospitals
in an impoverished region of the nation. For security reasons, Kim’s current location has not been made public.
At last report, Canadian officials were facilitating his reunion with his family. Recently, it had been reported
that his health was “deteriorating” in prison. Thank the Lord for Kim’s release. Ask the Lord to comfort and
strengthen him as he recovers from his time in prison. Pray that he and Christians in North Korea will keep
their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith and not grow weary or lose heart.
Hebrews 10:32-39; 12:1-3

BANGLADESH UPDATE – Elderly Christian Woman’s Home Set on Fire – VOM Sources

The Voice of the Martyrs has learned that an elderly, bedridden woman burned in an attack on January 7, has
since died. According to VOM sources in Bangladesh, attackers may have not realized that the bedridden elderly
woman was in the house sleeping when they set the house on fire. She awoke when the fire started, but since she
was not able walk, she could not escape. Eventually, someone from the area heard her cries for help and pulled
her out of the fire. The motive behind the attack was to burn the house which was used as a house church. Ask
God to comfort the family of this elderly lady. Pray the house church which met in this home will continue
despite this horrible incident. Psalm 23