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2015-08-13

• Officials Halt the Progress of Religious Activities

  Pray for the safety of churches and their members in Sri Lanka.

  VOM Canada recently received numerous incident reports from Sri Lanka outlining concerns involving two churches. On July 21st, Divisional Secretariat Officials went to investigate a church during the pastor's absence, taking pictures and refusing to answer the caretaker's questions regarding who they were and the purpose of their visit. The officials then threatened the church members, stating that the continuance of their religious worship would result in them being taken to local police. The following day, a couple of congregation members had inquired at the Divisional Secretariat's office about the incident, only to be threatened again if they did not comply with instruction.

  A separate incident took place on July 4th, this time involving a church in Padukka of Colombo District. During the pastor's early-morning prayer time, an unwelcomed stranger entered his home. Using derogatory language, the intruder threatened him, demanding that he leave the village. The following day, the pastor witnessed a group of individuals armed with stones for the purpose of destroying the church. However, they quickly dispersed upon realizing that the pastor had observed them. Later that same morning, while the worship service was in progress, a mob consisting of about 50 villagers arrived on the scene, commanding the pastor to step outside. After shouting insults, threats, and demands to have the church halt all worship activities, the mob was confronted by police officers who attempted to diffuse the situation. After the incident, the pastor was advised to be present on July 6th at the police station.

  Accompanied by his lawyer for the police meeting, the pastor discussed the situation with the officer-in-charge, who happened to be a Buddhist monk. After hearing a few villagers present false testimonies, the officer ordered the pastor to discontinue all worship services immediately. When the pastor referenced his fundamental rights under the Sri Lankan Constitution, the police filed an official complaint claiming the church as an unlawful place of worship within their Buddhist village. (Other reports and informative video clips can be viewed here.)

  Let's unite our hearts in unceasing prayer for believers who are being persecuted for their faith, thanking God for what He is accomplishing in the lives of many in Sri Lanka and around the world, despite the threats of those in opposition. May His people be encouraged, strengthened and equipped by the promises in Scripture -- the Sword of the Spirit -- knowing that He is watching over His Word to perform it (Ephesians 6:17; Jeremiah 1:12). Pray that these Christians will have a greater awareness of the Lord's presence, protection and love; and that there be an increase and overflow of this authentic love demonstrated through their lives. May they not only overcome the strategies of the enemy, but also serve as effective witnesses to those in need of eternal salvation and deliverance from spiritual captivity.

• Police Raids Threaten Several Church Members

  Nearly three weeks after police raided a Sunday worship service in the city of Gomel, located in southeast Belarus, a court fined Pastor Sergei Nikolaenko on June 19th for leading an unapproved religious meeting. There are concerns that a criminal charge may be in preparation against him.

  Trouble began for Pastor Nikolaenko and his congregation on the afternoon of Sunday, May 31st when local police -- accompanied by the riot squad -- raided the Reformed Orthodox Transfiguration Church he was pastoring. Some 20 church members had gathered for worship in a rented venue within the city's Central District. On June 11th, a local authority commission banned further meetings from taking place, despite the church having been previously granted government registration. Additionally, police have searched Pastor Nikolaenko's home for "sectarian" literature, as well as the home of another participating church member.

  In another situation, an active member of a Council of Churches congregation in the nearby district of Svetlogorsk was fined on June 25th for refusing to provide the name of a fellow Christian who happened to be reading from the Bible when armed police raided the church during a Sunday worship service. Other believers in the country of Belarus are facing similar forms of prosecution, including the owner of a home where members had gathered to worship. (For more about the challenges facing Christians in this country, go to the Belarus Country Report.)

  Please uphold in prayer Pastor Nikolaenko, and others in Belarus who are facing much opposition for their faith, that they would sense God's peace and assurance throughout these trials. Pray that the publicized facts of each case will be used to raise awareness of their plight, thus garnering much needed prayer support from fellow Christians around the globe. As a result, may these persecuted believers be further strengthened in their walk with the Lord and even more determined to live wholeheartedly for Him. Also intercede for the citizens of Belarus who are in need of salvation -- including those in governmental authority -- asking that they be given an opportunity to hear the Gospel and come to faith in our Risen Saviour.

• Charges Against Two Pastors Dropped!

  These spiritual leaders and their families are praising God for the good outcome. Photo: ACLJ

  On July 14th, two South Sudanese pastors, who were on trial for crimes calling for the death penalty, were convicted on lesser counts and released on time served. Although agents from Sudan's notorious National Intelligence and Security Services had initially arrested the pastors, the defense recommended that the court drop the charges due to a critical lack of physical evidence.

  Rev. Yat Michael, 49, was convicted of "inciting hatred" for delivering a message of encouragement in December of 2014 to a North Khartoum church in the face of a government-aided takeover of the congregation's property. Rev. Peter Yein Reith, 36, was convicted of "breaching public peace," following his January 11th arrest for submitting a letter of concern from leaders of their denomination, the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church, inquiring about the whereabouts of Rev. Michael.

  The wives of these pastors have expressed great relief and happiness over the outcome of the recent trial. "They have been just released after the court found them innocent of the more serious charges," one of the wives confirms. "Tell the whole church that God has heard your prayers and the pastors are now free!" (For a previous prayer alert report on this case, click here.)

  While rejoicing with the released pastors and their families over this favourable outcome, let's pray for God's ongoing protection and blessing upon these faithful believers. In fact, may all the church leaders of Sudan be granted wisdom and direction as they lead their congregations during this time of increased pressure due to extremist propaganda. Also, pray that any previously placed travel bans posing hindrance to the pastors' ministry will be lifted so they can freely continue serving in other areas of Africa and beyond.