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Sri Lanka

• Religious Persecution Intensifies

  Anti-Christian protest held by the Bodu Bala Sena in October 2012 in Piliyandala, Sri Lanka Photo: www.nation.lk via WEA

  As previously reported in recent prayer alerts, Christian persecution in Sri Lanka has intensified due to the rise in the country's Buddhist nationalism.

  Extremist Buddhist groups such as the Bodu Bala Sena (Buddhist Strong Army) and the Sinhala Rawaya (Sinhala Echo) have incited religious disharmony and carried out malicious attacks, targeting both Christian and Muslim minorities in the country.

  In a wave of violence, around 30 churches have come under attack this year alone. In 2012, there were 52 reported incidents of persecution. Quite alarmingly, these attacks have occurred with impunity, and with little or no state action to prosecute those responsible.

  In addition to the rising violence, churches are also facing restriction in the form of forced closure by the authorities. For instance, local governments and police have ordered many churches to close down, claiming that they are not authorized by the state.

  In a recent incident in the Hambantota district, authorities called on certain evangelical churches to confirm their legality, warning church leaders that failure to do so will result in the closure of churches. Previous reports can be found by going to the Sri Lanka Country Report.

  May our Christian brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka continue to place their trust in the Lord during this time of mounting pressure and persecution. Pray for His protection over all who are at risk of violence, especially those who are willing to place the ‘mission of God' ahead of their own comfort and security. May the Holy Spirit grant church leaders discernment on how to appropriately respond to the situation. Also intercede for those inciting these religious tensions, and thus persecuting His precious people, that they would experience a radical change of heart, repentance and the saving grace of God.

• Disturbing Passivity Over Escalating Persecution

  Christian leaders in Sri Lanka continue to express serious concern over escalating violent attacks against the country's religious minorities. In recent months, Muslims and Christians alike have faced ongoing intimidation, assault, and violence due to their religious practices. Even more alarming, the attacks seem to be organized and orchestrated by two extremist groups that appear to have support from governing authorities.

  Despite eye-witness testimonies and video and photographic evidence, no arrests have been made in the majority of these cases. As a result, perpetrators are rarely brought to justice. The apathetic lack of response shown by law enforcement agencies reveals the fact that they are merely being passive observers to the ongoing violations against basic human rights and liberties, especially concerning religious freedom and the economic and cultural rights of minority religious communities. For a brief historical overview, go to the Sri Lanka Country Report.

  The NCEASL has called upon the government of Sri Lanka to seriously evaluate its position on the country's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, in an effort to prevent empowering extremist organizations. By directing law and security authorities to take a proactive stance against such injustice through the enforcement of laws protecting the rights of minority religious groups, representatives are essentially striving for greater peace and harmony among all the inhabitants of Sri Lanka.

  While God's Word instructs believers not to retaliate inappropriately against those who perpetrate violence, we are encouraged to mediate on behalf of those in need of justice. Like Queen Esther, we prayerfully ask that through God's mighty intervention, government officials and all others in positions of authority will respect the human rights and religious freedoms of others so peace and justice may prevail. Ultimately, it is our desire that the "Prince of Peace" will make His powerful presence known among all the people groups within this Asian nation.

• Repeated Attacks on Persecuted Pastor's Home

  After being threatened, intimidated, and forced to move six times in four years, a Sri Lankan pastor's family has endured yet another attack on their home...this time by a large mob demanding an end to church services in the village.

  On March 18th, Pastor Pradeep Kumara's wife, Aruna, and their two children were trapped in their present home for three hours while a local mob reportedly ordered them to come out, and then demanded an end to the conducting of worship services in the church. Although police were called to the scene, they were unable to control the mob. According to reports, Aruna was injured as a result. When the attack occurred, Pastor Pradeep was in the capital city of Colombo for a Supreme Court hearing about a previous assault on his church.

  Despite the overall decrease of traditional churches, evangelical Christianity has experienced significant growth in the past 30 years, resulting in increased opposition, especially from militant Buddhists. As Buddhism is the national religion of Sri Lanka, Christianity currently accounts for less than 10 percent of its population which presently consists of over 20 million people. (To learn more about this country, review the Sri Lanka Country Report.) Thankfully, during times of difficulty, the church has experienced further growth and spiritual fervour, enabling the Gospel to continue offering needed hope to the people of this land.

  Pray for God's ongoing protection over Pastor Pradeep and his family and that, despite this present time of persecution, they will remain steadfast in their faith and unwavering in their mission to spread the Gospel. Ask the Lord to work through the law enforcement officials and local authorities in bringing about more religious liberties on behalf of church communities. In addition, pray that Sri Lanka's faithful believers will continue to place their trust in God. May their faithfulness be rewarded and serve as a catalyst of spiritual revival across the nation.

• Threatening Mob Violently Storms Church

  Pray that many Buddhists will come to know the Saviour.

  A large mob, which included Buddhist monks, stormed into a church in southern Sri Lanka on Sunday, December 9th, causing serious damage to property and injuring the pastor. According to a preliminary report from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL), the raid took place during the Sunday morning meeting in Weeraketiya, Hambanthota, a district of Southern Province. Children were in the congregation during what is being described as a "distressing attack."

  The pastor of the church was reportedly hit with a rock and, as a result, has been suffering with "severe pain in his lower abdomen." Others in the congregation were injured in the attack as well. The mob destroyed furniture and equipment inside the church, as well as vehicles that were parked outside belonging to church members.

  NCEASL reports that a group of Buddhist monks and lay people visited the pastor on Saturday, declaring that he needed permission from Buddhist clergy to conduct Christian services in Weeraketiya. The pastor insisted that freedom of worship was his constitutional right but the visitors threatened to destroy the church if he did not stop conducting worship services.

  It appears that the mob started demonstrating outside the church before entering the building. Policemen posted outside to monitor the demonstration were overpowered and two of the officers were reportedly harmed in the attack. Additional police reinforcements and soldiers were drafted in to contain the mob. To learn more about the various challenges facing Christians in this part of the world, please go to the Sri Lanka Country Report.

  Pray that the pastor, the members of his congregation, and the police officers who were wounded during the attack will make a full recovery. May the Lord use this ordeal to further strengthen the faith of these Sri Lankan believers, granting them the courage to overcome the threats of the enemy and continue meeting together. Also remember to lift up the dear children who witnessed the event and are now in need of God's reassuring comfort. Of course, we are to be mindful of our need to pray for the Lord to radically transform the hearts and minds of the persecutors.

• Pastor and his wife assaulted by mob

  A pastor and his wife were attacked in Deniyaya, Sri Lanka, while returning home after visiting a church member. A large mob of around 40 men, accompanied by five Buddhist monks and the assistant secretary of the local government authority, approached the pastor and his wife shouting, "attack them," "kill them." The pastor was then assaulted and accused of spreading Christianity in the area.

  The pastor and his wife were then forcibly dragged to the home they had visited and the mob shouted at the lady of the house asking how much she was paid to convert to Christianity. She replied that she had become a Christian based on conviction and was not paid to do so. The pastor was once again assaulted but managed to escape with his wife. The pastor suffered injuries to his legs and body in the incident.

  Pray the Lord will completely heal and restore the pastor and his wife. Pray for their protection and pray their faith will be strengthened so they can continue with their ministry. Pray for the perpetrators.

  To learn more about the trials our brothers and sisters face in Sri Lanka, visit the Sri Lanka Country Report.

• Hardliners make new push for anti-conversion laws

  Pray that religious freedom will be respected in Sri Lanka.

  Buddhist nationalists in Sri Lanka have caused concern among Protestant Christians by renewing their calls for anti-conversion laws. The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) party, which has been pushing for legislation banning "forced conversion" since 2004, renewed its campaign in a press statement this month. It called on the government to re-introduce to Parliament the JHU'S Prohibition of Religious Conversions Bill.

  Sources inside Sri Lanka say Christians are also concerned about a loosely worded circular from the Ministry of Religious Affairs issued in September which stipulates that building or maintaining places of worship must be sanctioned by prior approval of the Ministry. According to sources, evangelical churches in particular are facing increased pressure from the state, with "indiscriminate closure and threats." Their applications to register formally are routinely rejected, and there is evidence that planning permission is even being denied for non-church buildings if the applicant is a Christian individual or organization.

  Pray that the JHU's bid to introduce anti-conversion laws in Sri Lanka will fail. Pray that officials will end discriminatory policies which limit the activities of some Christians. Ask God to bless and protect evangelical Christians and pray for all those working for religious freedom in Sri Lanka.

  For more information on persecution in Sri Lanka, go to the Sri Lanka Country Report.

• Violence against Christians

  Several Christians were assaulted and threatened throughout Sri Lanka in recent weeks.

  A pastor was assaulted after attending a meeting convened by a Buddhist monk in Ampara District, Eastern Province on July 10. During the meeting, which was in regard to land distribution, the pastor was assaulted by the monk and others present. The monk kicked the pastor, resulting in serious injuries to his arm and stomach. The assailants later followed the pastor to his home and continued to verbally abuse him and members of his family.

  On the evening of July 19, a mob of approximately 50 people attacked the homes of five Christian families in Badulla District in Uva Province. The assailants threw stones which damaged the roofs and broke windows with clubs and rocks. Some families fled in fear to the jungle and waited for the attack to abate. A grocery shop belonging to one of the families was demolished and goods were stolen. The shop owner was also seriously injured. At last report there were plans to force these Christian families to renounce Christianity or leave the village.

  Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray that these Christians will not become fearful but will trust the Lord in all things. Pray that the Lord will continue to make Sri Lankan Christians strong to lovingly and boldly proclaim the gospel amid persecution (Ephesians 6:18-20).

  To find out more about persecution in Sri Lanka, visit theSri Lanka Country Report.

• Pastors under attack

  Two pastors were recently attacked in Southern Province, Sri Lanka. In early January, a man broke into the home of a pastor in Galle district. The pastor and his family came into the house to find the intruder inside. The man shouted threats at the pastor and began to assault him. Neighbours were alerted to the attack when they heard screaming. When the pastor's elderly landlord arrived, the intruder also attacked him. He then fled. The pastor and the landlord lodged a complaint with the local police against the attacker. He was arrested, but later released with a severe warning and only after he apologized to the pastor and the landlord.

  Assailants also broke the windows of an Assemblies of God church building in the city of Middeniya, Hambantota district, on January 23. A complaint has reportedly been filed with local police. The pastor and his family, who were inside at the time of attack, were previously targeted in July 2008, when assailants set their house ablaze, following threats to him and his church (click here for more).

  Pray God's enduring grace will drive out any fear in the hearts of these believers in the face of opposition. Pray they will stand firm in their faith, putting on the full armour of God and praying in the Spirit on all occasions (Ephesians 6:13-18). Pray their attackers will repent of their actions and place their faith in Jesus Christ. Pray Sri Lankan Christians will proclaim the love and truth of Christ with courage, wisdom and compassion.

  You can learn more about the opposition facing Christians in Sri Lanka at theSri Lanka Country Report.

• Pray for Christians in India and Sri Lanka

  Two VOM staff members recently returned from India and Sri Lanka, where they met with partners and visited with persecuted Christians in need of prayer as they serve Christ amid great opposition. In India, reports of violence against believers, village churches being destroyed, and church leaders being threatened by local Hindus continue to be a daily reality. Converts to Christianity are often cast out of their families, denied inheritance rights and face poverty and ostracism. In Sri Lanka, Christians often face opposition from militant Buddhists intent on ridding the nation of Christianity. Churches have been burned, believers beaten and Christian leaders killed.

  Pray for lasting fruit from the time VOM staff spent in India and Sri Lanka as projects are developed. Pray that the suffering believers they met with will look to the Lord for encouragement. Pray also that VOM will be effective in equipping Canadian Christians to understand the situation facing Christians in India and Sri Lanka and stand in solidarity with them.

  You can learn more about the trials facing Christians in India by visiting theIndia Country Report. You can also stay informed about persecution facing Christians in Sri Lanka by visiting theSri Lanka Country Report.

• Mob attacks church

  The charred shell of the parish priest's car UCAN Photo

  Approximately 200 suspected Buddhists armed with weapons stormed the Our Lady Rosa Mystica Church building in Croos Watta, Sri Lanka on December 6. The assailants destroyed construction materials and the interior of the building. They also attempted to attack the priest. He was able to escape the scene unharmed, but his vehicle was torched in the violence. As word spread of the attack, approximately 500 local believers blocked the nearby main road in protest, demanding that police arrest the culprits. At last report, one arrest had been made. Local Christians believe the attack was due to the growing number of believers in the area and the recent resumption of a construction project to expand the church. Last year, the Supreme Court overturned a police decision to ban the construction. The church has been attacked twice in recent years by suspected Buddhist militants -- once in 2006 and again in 2007. (Source: Union of Catholic Asian News)

  Thank the Lord that no one was injured in the attack. Pray that these church members will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48).

  For more information about the suffering of God's children in Sri Lanka, go to theSri Lanka Country Report.