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2015-08-06

• Arson Attack on Galilee Church

  

  A suspected arson attack took place in June on a church near the shores of the historical Sea of Galilee, resulting in the injury of two people and causing serious damage to the church facility. An elderly monk and a German volunteer needed hospital treatment for smoke inhalation after the attack on the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes in Tabgha village. While there was minor damage to the main worship hall, other areas were badly affected. Graffiti was also painted inside the church during the attack with a warning: "The false gods will be eliminated."

  No one has been arrested in connection with the blaze but 16 Jewish youths were taken in for questioning before being released. In April of last year, young Jewish extremists desecrated crosses and an altar at the same church. Local bishops have called on Jews, Christians and Muslims to stand in solidarity against "violence and extremism." It is reported that attacks by extremists on churches and Christian-owned property are now common.

  The Galilee church was built in the 1980s on the site of ancient places of worship that commemorated the spot where Jesus fed the five thousand with loaves and fish. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the recent arson incident as "an attack on all of us," promising to bring the culprits to justice.

  Let's cry out for the nation of Israel, requesting peace within its walls so the people would remain secure, having no fear of harm (Psalm 122:6-9). May its citizens -- representing all faiths -- stand together against extremism and violence in this troubled region, promoting unity and religious tolerance. Ask God to work within the hearts of those perpetrating these hateful crimes so they will turn from evil and do good. Thank the Lord, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, for watching over Israel and its inhabitants (Psalm 121:4). He is ever faithful!

• Coptic Teen's Kind Gesture Ends in Detention

  Pray that the Gospel will continue to take root in Egypt. Photo: Flickr / Russell Lee Photography (cc)

  At sundown each day during Ramadan, observant Muslims customarily break their fast at the time of their usual evening meal by eating dates. With this in mind, 16-year-old Fawzi Osama, a Coptic Christian, was on a street in the northern city of Alexandria during the evening of July 10th, handing out the fruit to those hurrying home before sundown. Within each small plastic bag of dates, he also included a slip of paper containing a Christian message and a link to a Christian website.

  Before the night was over, an offended bystander stopped Osama and took him to a nearby police station. Learning of his predicament, two of his Christian friends hurried to the station that same evening, only to be detained as well. The next morning, the prosecution began an investigation into the claims against Osama. He and his friends were then referred to prosecutors on suspicion of "defamation of religions and being in pursuit of a modern recourse to evangelism aimed at drawing in Muslims."

  Each of the three young Copts were released on July 12th on a bail of 10,000 Egyptian pounds (about $1,735 U.S.), pending further investigation. Under Egyptian law, Islam is the country's official religion, and open proselytizing for any other religion can court trouble for "inciting sectarian strife." The Egyptian penal code calls for up to five years in prison for anyone convicted of an act of religious contempt.

  Over the past couple of years, young Christians have distributed dates during Ramadan. A representative of the Evangelical Coptic Church, Pastor Refaat Fikri, commented on the incident: "What these Christian young people do when they hand out dates to fasting Muslims on the streets is a positive thing, and should continue. This is, in itself, enough to express the love called for by Jesus Christ in His teachings.... Evangelization does not mean blasphemy, but it is only preaching the teachings of Christ. Blasphemy means to insult and mock other religions, which is not taught by Christ. Every true Christian does not...disdain other religions."

  Thank the Lord for Osama's courage in reaching out to others with the Good News of the Gospel through this simple act of kindness. May he and his friends not be fearful about their current situation but rather further strengthened and encouraged by the love, support and prayers of fellow Christians. Pray that the messages handed out to passersby will plant seeds of Biblical truth into many receptive hearts and minds. Also commit to the Lord the upcoming investigation, praying that there will be a favourable outcome.

• Asia's Death Sentence Suspended

  Remember in prayer Asia and her family.

  Supporters of Asia Bibi, a Christian mother who has been on death row for blasphemy since 2009, are relieved to learn that on July 22nd a panel of judges suspended her death sentence. The case against this long-suffering follower of Jesus will be thoroughly reviewed by the country's Supreme Court before a final ruling is made. In light of the recent hearing, a VOM worker in Pakistan wrote, "By the grace of God, this is a big achievement. This is an answer to the prayers of people around the world."

  This case has brought world attention to the country's notorious blasphemy laws which are wide open to abuse. All too often, allegations of blasphemy are used to settle scores and take out rivals. Those accused can face detention, imprisonment and the death penalty. And even if they are eventually acquitted, continued threats are made against them and their loved ones. Since the accusations, Asia's husband and children have been forced to go into hiding. An eight-minute video clip featuring their perspective of the situation can be viewed here.

  Politicians opposing the blasphemy laws have paid with their lives. In 2011, the Governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer, was murdered by his own bodyguard after calling for Asia's release and the repeal of the blasphemy laws. And within two months, the country's Minister of Religious Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian, was assassinated for the same reason. (For a previous report on this Christian leader's assassination, click here.)

  Asia Bibi found herself accused of blasphemy after a dispute with Muslim co-workers who refused to drink the water she had provided because they considered the Christian woman spiritually "unclean." According to reports, some of the female workers had been putting Asia under pressure to renounce her Christian faith and accept Islam. Instead, she responded by sharing her faith in Christ.

  As this case is to be further deliberated by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, please continue upholding Asia and her family, asking God to greatly comfort and strengthen them -- upholding justice for this persevering imprisoned believer so she will ultimately be set free. Also pray that the country's authorities will put an end to these deeply unjust blasphemy laws which have often been used to target Christians and others in acts of revenge. May we not forget to intercede for Asia's persecutors (those actually opposing Christ according to John 15:18-27), who are in desperate need of His mercy and salvation.