Persecution & Prayer Alert

"The greatest tragedy in life
is not in unanswered prayer
but in unoffered prayer."
~ F.B. Meyer

Christian found dead, believers apprehensive as Christmas approaches

On the evening of December 9, approximately 20 Hindus stopped Yuvraj Digal (40), a respected Christian leader, and his 20-year-old son as they were heading home on motorbike from the village of Tikabali, Kandhamal district, Orissa. The Hindus accused Digal of being involved in the murder of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati (click here for more) and began beating him. His son was able to escape the attackers and seek help from the police. Digal, however, disappeared and his body was found on December 18.

The situation remains tense for Christians in Orissa even though Hindu militant groups have called off a protest that was planned for Christmas Day. The district has employed additional security measures, but many Christians remain apprehensive about possible outbreaks of violence in the coming days. District authorities in Kandhamal have asked churches not to hold midnight services. Many churches have cancelled Christmas ceremonies.

Pray for those mourning the loss of Digal. Pray that the Lord will be exalted, even through the deaths of those who proclaim His name (Phil 1:20). Ask God to bring peace to Orissa as believers celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

For more on the persecution Christians face in India, go to the India Country Profile. To watch a video report about how Christians are fearful as Christmas approaches, please see our blog.

Update: Hundreds dead, thousands displaced after violence

^{Joseph Yari,
one of those killed in the attacks
Photo from}^{Compass Direct}

The Christian community in Jos, Nigeria is still reeling from riots that broke out on November 28-29 following local elections (click here for more information). According to a December 11 report from Compass Direct, six pastors were murdered, at least 500 other people killed, and 40 church buildings were destroyed in the sweeping violence. More than 25,000 people have been displaced from their homes and are taking refuge at military and police barracks. Authorities have detained approximately 500 people in connection with the violence. According to a church leader in Jos, the attacks were "not political but pre-meditated under the guise of elections."

For more updates on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, click here.

Christian shot by Muslims in Kenyan refugee camp

^{Photo from}^{Compass Direct}

Salat Sekondo Mberwa, a Somali Christian who fled to a refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya in 2005 after Muslims murdered a Christian relative, was shot by Muslims on November 26, according to a December 10 report from Compass Direct. At approximately 6:00 p.m., the Muslims broke into Mberwa's residence in the camp and shot him in the shoulder as he tried to escape out a window. The assailants left him for dead. He was later discovered by his family and is recovering in Dadaab. Mberwa faced a similar attack on October 13 when five Muslim youths threatened him and forcibly entered his residence. When Mberwa and his son fought off the assailants, Mberwa was arrested and detained in the relief camp's police cell.

Pray for a speedy recovery for Mberwa. Ask God to protect the Mberwa family as they face opposition. Pray that Somali Christians forced to flee their country will continue to rely on the Lord to meet their needs.

To learn more about the plight of Somali Christians, go to the Somalia Country Report.

Persecution & Prayer Alert

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