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2015-11-26

• Paris Attacks Complicate Fate of Christian Refugees

  With the terrible news of more than a hundred people killed in the Paris terrorist attacks on November 13th, the fate of thousands of Christian refugees from Syria and Iraq are further complicated. "It's understandable," news writer David Rupert explains in his commentary. "Lives are gone and families are changed forever. There is pain and anguish, and the natural reaction is to begin to look for those responsible. Every nation is reviewing how such a thing could happen -- and what they need to do to prevent an occurrence within their own borders."

  While France has taken in nearly 20,000 Syrian refugees over the past two years alone, its borders immediately closed for the first time since WWII. David Rupert speculates that "out of self-preservation and response to public outcry, the doors in Europe will no doubt start closing." Then he makes mention of this present reality: "It's already happened in Slovakia and Poland."

  On the other hand, some internationally known politicians are taking a stand in favour of accepting Christians as refugees. America's Hilary Clinton says that immigration should be allowed, especially for "those who are most vulnerable, a lot of the persecuted religious minorities, including Christians, and some who have been brutalized, like the Yazidi women." Governor Jeb Bush also believes in providing safe refuge for "every Christian Iraqi and every Christian Syrian" who might be at grave risk.

  United Kingdom's Prime Minister David Cameron boldly expresses concern for the persecuted in his timely statement: "Every day in countries across the world, Christians are systematically discriminated against, exploited and even driven from their homes because of their faith. No believer should have to live in fear.... Now is not the time for silence. We must stand together and fight for a world where no one is persecuted because of what they believe."

  As followers of Christ, we know that the most effective way to fight this spiritual battle is through the power of prayer. Please join us by posting a prayer on behalf of the numerous displaced Christians who are in need of God's guidance and provision during this extremely difficult time.

  It's reassuring to know that our Sovereign God is fully aware of the plight presently being experienced by His long-suffering people, and that He is actively working on behalf of the persecuted through those who are compassionately responding to His promptings and directives. Pray that our world's international leaders will be granted the wisdom, insight and providential guidance to not only hinder further attacks from taking place, but also to serve as mediators for the many innocent victims of such inhumane acts of terrorism. In the midst of the resulting aftermath caused by these recent tragedies may there be a global spiritual awakening among all the peoples of the world -- one that will lead multitudes to the saving knowledge of the "Prince of Peace."

• Young Woman Rescued From Intended Fatal Beating

  In eastern Uganda, a young Christian convert was severely beaten on November 12th by her militant Muslim father after leaving Islam to follow Christ. Namusisi Birye reportedly converted to Christianity at an evangelistic event, but somehow news of the decision had reached her father before she arrived home. Upon entering the house at about 7 p.m. that evening, Namusisi was immediately attacked by her father, whose intention was to beat her to death. Thankfully, some leaders in her community intervened just in time.

  "My father had a wooden stick and started beating me as I entered the house," recalls Namusisi. "As my mother was about to beat me also, the local council chairman...arrived and rescued me. Soon some neighbours who are Christians also arrived." One of these neighbours happened to be a church leader. The concerned leader explains of the alarming incident, "As we arrived, the girl was bleeding, and her clothes had blood stains all over."

  While the distraught young woman's screams brought several neighbours to the scene, her mother and father insisted she die. "Our daughter must be killed according to Islam, because she has become an apostate," her father told those who came to her aid. "She can never be our daughter again."

  After persuading the irate parents not to kill their daughter, a suggested resolution was proposed. It was officially agreed with a statement signed by the parents to release her to the local council chairman, Mutaana Paul, who has willingly accepted Namusisi into his home temporarily. "She is now recuperating after being disowned by her parents," the council chairman reports. Namusisi, who has been suffering from severe pain in her ribs since the beating, is receiving treatment at a local clinic. She has also sustained injuries to her right hand and bruises on her forehead.

  Unfortunately, Namusisi wasn't the only participant in the recent evangelistic event whose life was endangered as a result of conversion. During the same event, which happened to be interrupted by a group of furious militants, a man who was dressed as a Muslim leader went to the front during the meeting to acknowledge his acceptance of Jesus Christ as Saviour. Even though the whereabouts of the former Islamic leader are unknown, local Christians are worried about his safety.

  Please join us in praying for Namusisi's complete physical and emotional healing, asking the Lord to comfort her after this painful ordeal and help her to come to terms with the loss of her now estranged family. Although this young convert has had to pay a high price to follow Christ, may she rejoice in knowing that her Heavenly Father warmly embraces her as one of His own dearly beloved children. Pray that as this truth resonates in her heart, she will have a greater resolve to follow Him. Ask the Lord to wonderfully bless and encourage Namusisi, especially regarding His desired plan of salvation for her unsaved family through the power of the Holy Spirit. In addition, please pray for the protection and discipleship of the other convert who made a commitment to follow Jesus while at the evangelistic event...so he, too, will experience God's goodness and fulfill the future plans that are in store for his life and potential ministry (Jeremiah 29:11).

• School Courses Clash with Christian Values

  
  European Court of Human Rights building
  Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CherryX

  Governing officials in Turkey have twice lost cases (in the years 2007 and 2014) at the European Court of Human Rights concerning their compulsory Religious Culture and Knowledge of Ethics classes, as they do not respect the 'freedom of religion or belief' of its citizens; namely, applicable parents, guardians and pupils. In September of 2014, the European Court stated that "Turkey had to remedy the situation without delay." Yet the only course of action thus far had been preparations made by the Education Ministry for a plan involving wide consultation with civil society on the courses in question. This plan is awaiting government approval after the elections.

  Another systemic violation of 'freedom of religion or belief' in the educational system involves the country's optional lessons in Islam which many have found are, in reality, "compulsory optional." Fear of discrimination and harassment from teachers and other pupils, as well as the slowness of the legal system, are the main reasons many people have not taken legal action to protect their rights. Unless effective protection of 'freedom of religion or belief' in education is implemented, the state will continue to lose such cases before the European Court. For more on the challenges facing believers in this country, go to this page.

  As Turkish Christians seek the Lord's counsel, we ask Him to alleviate their fears and embolden them to voice their concerns in love. May they continue trusting Him to transform the hearts of government officials and school administrators so a curriculum that does not dishonour Him and His followers will be effectively implemented. Pray that the religious freedom of believers will increase in Turkey, and that they will be able to use this freedom to bless others through evangelism, discipleship, hospitality and other forms of fellowship.