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2014-12-04

  • Final Appeal for Woman Sentenced to Death over Cup of Water
    Asia Bibi

    Following a confrontation while picking fruit with Muslim co-workers, Asia Bibi was accused of insulting the Islamic prophet Mohammed after drinking water from the village well. As a non-Muslim, the Christian mother of five was considered unfit to touch the water, thus making it impure. According to other witnesses, a group of men and women then began beating Asia, claiming that she had made derogatory remarks against Mohammed, a charge she denies. Several days later, blasphemy allegations were filed, resulting in the November 2010 conviction. (A previous report on Asia's situation is available here.)

    Four years later, after losing the initial appeal in the High Court of Lahore, Asia, who remained in prison on death row, is now sentenced to be hanged. Although acquittals are rare in blasphemy cases, on November 24th a second appeal was filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Raising global criticism and serious concerns about the fairness of her trial, Amnesty International has called for her release. Asia's husband, Ashiq Masih, has also made a personal plea to Pakistan's president, Mamnoon Hussain, asking that the sentence be overturned. "My prison cell has no windows, and day and night are the same to me," states Asia. "But if I am still holding on today, it is with thanks to everyone who is trying to help me."

    In a country where about 96 percent of the population is Muslim, Christians living in Pakistan constantly risk persecution in the form of threats, attacks, discrimination, and possible death. According to human rights defenders, the current blasphemy laws pose great dangers to Christians, as well as members of other religious minorities. Blasphemy remains a highly sensitive issue in this country, as even unproven allegations continue to erupt in violence. For a brief overview of such cases in this country, go to the Pakistan Country Report.

    May the reverential fear of the one true God -- the Creator of the vast universe and all humankind -- come upon Pakistan's governing leaders and judicial authorities. He has promised to contend with those who contend with His people, and to mete out justice and vengeance on behalf of the innocent and upright of heart. One day, these leaders themselves will stand before the Throne of the Great Judge to give an account of their actions and decisions. In the meantime, we can be assured that the Lord is hearing the heartfelt cries of His people, as Asia's situation raises international concern. Please continue to uphold this dear suffering sister of ours, realizing that the prayers of God's people have been greatly sustaining her. Let us pray for a greater measure of His divine strength, protection, peace and unfailing presence as Asia and her family await the outcome of yet another appeal...beseeching authorities to extend compassion, mercy, favour and ultimately freedom to her and all those who are experiencing persecution for their faith in this country.
  • Catch-22 Predicament Facing Believers
    It can be costly to own religious literature in Uzbekistan.
    Photo: Barnabas Fund

    In Uzbekistan, where Islam is by far the predominant religion, religious gatherings without state permission are forbidden. On trumped-up charges, such as planted "evidence," Uzbek authorities continue to raid meetings, and even casual gatherings, particularly those of Full Gospel Church members.

    On September 5th, police raided a private home in Syrdarya belonging to a Full Gospel Church member who was meeting for tea with friends. Anti-terrorism police claimed they were holding a religious meeting without state permission. In court, the homeowner testified that the Bible, personal diary and VCR "found" in his house did not belong to his group and he didn't know how they got there. After a false witness testified against him -- the same false witness who testified against nine Baptists in a previous trial -- he was charged 55 times the minimum monthly salary (about $2,450 US), while three others were fined ten times the monthly salary. A selection of the group's literature, including two Bibles, was also destroyed.

    A rash of raids has erupted since this past summer. Among those known, on September 5th, Tashkent's Yangiyul District Court fined a Full Gospel Church and four of its members two to three times the minimum monthly salary and also destroyed their Christian literature. On October 22nd, Tashkent police raided the apartment of a Protestant group. Nine members and the apartment owner were fined from 20 to 25 times the minimum monthly salary. They were ordered to hand over their Bibles to the Russian Orthodox Church, but teaching materials and a computer were destroyed. Two days later, a private home of two Full Gospel Church members in Tashkent was raided. Each was fined 30 times the minimum monthly salary and 30 Christian books were destroyed. Also, on October 27th, the Tashkent Regional Criminal Court fined 18 church members from five, up to 80, times the minimum monthly salary.

    Most ironic, the Samarkand City Criminal Court fined a Seventh-day Adventist 20 times the minimum monthly salary back on September 12th, also confiscating Christian materials, a laptop computer and a tablet device. Why? Reportedly, as a reprisal for the Adventist's application requesting state registration. For other stories of persecution in this country, review VOMC's country report.

    As we intercede on behalf of our fellow Christians in Uzbekistan, mindful of the privileges we have in North America to own Bibles and Christian literature without worry of confiscation or house raid, let us raise our voices up in prayer for God's intervention in each of their cases and for His provision to be made available to cover the cost of these fines and replace the items taken from them. Pray that the leaders of this country will realize the importance of the Christian faith for the betterment of the people, and for society as a whole. In fact, may these leaders discover for themselves the joy that comes from accepting Jesus as Saviour and making Him the Lord of their lives!
  • Upcoming Release of Christian Bookstore Worker!
    Wenxi Li

    Former bookstore employee, Wenxi Li, is currently scheduled for release from a Shanxi province prison on December 18th. Wenxi, who is from Beijing, had travelled to Shanxi province to help local Christians open a new bookstore. Police raided the new business and confiscated hundreds of books. On December 19, 2012, Wenxi was asked to come to the police station in order to retrieve the $6,000 worth of books that had been seized by authorities. Upon his arrival, he was immediately arrested and sent to prison. The bookstore worker was later denied bail and then sentenced to two years in prison on June 17, 2013. VOMC's initial report, which provides more details of his arrest, can be found here.

    Wenxi's family is cautiously optimistic that he will be released on schedule. Although since being transferred a few months ago to the prison where he's currently being detained, he has received better overall treatment and was even permitted to make sporadic five-minute calls to members of the family. His wife, Cai Hong Li, reports that he sounds encouraged and is in good health. She is also thankful that while in prison, Wenxi was able to share the Gospel with other inmates and, as a result, several have become Christians.

    Though Cai Hong hopes her husband will take some time to rest after his return home, she told VOM staff that he is passionate about the bookstore ministry and will likely want to return to this work as soon as he is released. She then asked for prayer for his forthcoming release and, additionally, for the improvement of her health as Wenxi's imprisonment has been very difficult on their family.

    How encouraging to receive this news of Wenxi's soon-approaching release from prison! May there be no delay of schedule concerning his release, so he can be reunited with his family in time for Christmas...a gift they will most certainly treasure this season. May the transition go smoothly, bringing needed healing and restoration to each member of his family after the ordeal they've all experienced. Let us also pray for Wenxi's friend and bookstore co-worker, Lacheng Ren, and others who are imprisoned in China for their faith. Ask the Lord to mediate on their behalf as well, while caring for them and their families throughout the legal processes. In the meantime, as in the case of Wenxi, may they have opportunities to lead many to Christ.