Persecution & Prayer Alert

"My soul makes its boast
in the Lord; let the humble
hear and be glad. Oh, magnify
the Lord with me, and let us
exalt His name together!"
~ Psalm 34:2-3 ESV

Bible student beaten and threatened by Muslims

Photo from Compass Direct

Rajen Murmo (20) was attacked by a mob of approximately 50 Muslims in the town of Uttara, Bangladesh, where approximately four million Muslims had gathered for an annual Islamic conference on February 1. According to a February 5 report from Compass Direct, Murmo and some fellow students from Believers' Church Bible College were distributing Christian literature when a man approached them and said that the Quran had superseded the Bible, rendering it outdated. Some men then grabbed Murmo and demanded to know who gave him the Christian literature. They also demanded that he give them the addresses of religious leaders and of his school. When he refused, the attackers beat him and threatened to kill him unless he gave them the information. Officials eventually arrived and were able to rescue Murmo. The mob pressured the officials into sending Murmo to a local police station where he was held until the principal of his school secured his release.

Pray for healing for Murmo. Ask God to strengthen him to remain steadfast in the midst of opposition (1 Peter 5:12).

For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Bangladesh, go to the Bangladesh Country Report.

Christian accused of blasphemy

Photo from Compass Direct

A Pakistani Christian, Hector Aleem (51), is under fire after being accused of sending a blasphemous text message, according to a February 5 report from Compass Direct. On January 22, police arrested Aleem for blasphemy and abetting a crime after a religious scholar allegedly received a text message from him in November that insulted Muhammad. Although he was acquitted of the blasphemy charges at a hearing on February 2, he was not cleared of abetting. Local Christians believe the judge's decision was influenced by the approximately 150 people protesting and yelling threats outside the courthouse. Sources claim that Aleem was targeted because he directs an organization that lobbies for the rights of Christians in Islamabad.

At last report, Aleem was detained at the Adiyala Jail in the city of Rawalpindi, where he has been denied adequate food, medicine for his heart condition and visits with his family. His family has gone into hiding due to threats from Muslim militants.

Pray that Aleem will be acquitted of all charges. Pray for protection for him and his family. Pray that Muslims in Pakistan will come to know Christ's love through the lives of Christians (Romans 12:14, 21).

Find out more about suffering Christians in Pakistan from the Pakistan Country Report.

Religion Law amendments proposed in Armenia

On February 5, proposed amendments to Armenia's Religion Law and Criminal Code began passage through the nation's parliament, according to a February 9 report from Forum 18. Under the amendments, leaders of religious communities involved in evangelism could face up to two years in prison. Those caught evangelizing could be imprisoned for up to one year or fined 500 times the minimum monthly wage. The amendments propose a five-fold increase in the number of members required to register as a religious organization.

Pray that these amendments will not be approved. Ask God to work in the lives of Armenia's leaders so that they too will turn to Him.

Persecution & Prayer Alert

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