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2015-12-03

  • Christian Converts Martyred for their Faith


    Pray for the safety of
    converts from Islam.
    Photo: Flickr /
    Rod Waddington (cc)

    Three former Muslims have been killed in recent months, all of them most likely for professing their faith in Christ. While no arrests have been made, there is evidence that the crimes were religiously motivated.

    In early September, the first victim was ambushed in Taiz, southwest Yemen, and shot 15 to 20 times, presumably by a member of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). "For six months, he had been receiving death threats from AQAP members he had known personally," disclosed a source close to the victim. "His family knew of his faith for more than a decade and, although it created tensions, they never threatened his life."

    On the other hand, the second victim, who had been involved in evangelism, was shot in his home on October 2nd, leaving behind a wife and teenage son. "A lot of people didn't like the fact that he was a convert," explains a friend of the slain man, supporting the consensus that he could have been killed by a family member or another close association. In addition to being harassed for his faith by local Muslims, the second victim's house was set on fire. Referring to the evangelist's desire to reach others with the Good News of Jesus, the friend acknowledges: "He had a plan and a vision (for the lost).... We have hope that God can give these people light to see what they have done."

    Civil war has persisted in Yemen since March of 2015, bringing with it disorder, lawlessness and numerous casualties. As the violence has escalated, Christians have been increasingly targeted by militants for diverting from the societal norm of adhering to Islam. This was evident in the case of the teenage convert from Islam who had been killed recently when a RPG rocket was thrown directly towards him. "Family influence in Yemen cannot be overstated," states an informative source. "The family structure in Yemen, and in much of the Middle East, works to enforce societal norms, especially adherence to Islam." Yemen has a Muslim population of 99.9 percent and is ruled by Sharia law (Islamic law). To view a three-minute video clip, addressing the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East, please click here.

    As friends and family members mourn the loss of these slain victims, may they be inspired by their martyred loved ones' spiritual fervour and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ. In fact, please join us in praying for the ongoing work of His Holy Spirit in the lives of all who knew these faithful believers -- asking that strength and encouragement be imparted to fellow Christians, and that an earnest yearning for truth will take place in the hearts of those who have yet to receive God's gift of salvation. Also, in the midst of the nation's civil unrest, may Yemeni believers facing pressure to renounce their faith be empowered to speak the truth in love, innocent citizens be comforted, and the violence and hatred of the perpetrators be diminished so that His perfect peace may have supremacy.
  • Religious Freedom Making Strides Nationally


    Shahbaz Bhatti was
    assassinated for
    speaking out against
    the blasphemy laws.

    Four years after Pakistan's government minister Shahbaz Bhatti was killed for objecting to the country's blasphemy laws, his brother, Paul Bhatti, told members of the United Kingdom's parliament that religious freedom in Pakistan appears to be growing.

    Over the past 20 years, religiously motivated violence has killed an estimated 60,000 people within the country. Mindful of the risks Christians and other minority groups in Pakistan are facing, Paul states, "We are still facing the cruel and harsh realities of violence against the weak and voiceless." Yet, he also conveys a sense of optimism: "I am pleased to share with you that I feel and see that Pakistan is changing." This is largely due to the success of various military and civilian operations against terror, including the banning of extremist organizations and the weakening of terrorism.

    Unfortunately, the present blasphemy laws, which are embedded in Sections 295 and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code, can carry the death penalty. And there are no provisions to punish a false accuser or a false witness of blasphemy. Last October, the Lahore High Court upheld the death penalty for Christian mother Asia Bibi who was accused by coworkers of allegedly defiling their water bowl and blaspheming Islam. Previous reports on Asia's case are available here.

    Following the assassination of former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, who condemned the death penalty on behalf of Asia Bibi, the Supreme Court has upheld the penalty for the charged assassin, Mumtaz Qadri (the late governor's bodyguard). "We can gain inspiration and courage by looking to those who have gone before us; who stood for peace, justice and unity at such great cost," summarizes Paul Bhatti. He is hopeful that the peaceful, tolerant and religiously plural society envisioned by the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, is achievable.

    Pakistan's Christian citizens, and all of us who share their burdens in prayer, can thank the Lord for the country's successful strides against terrorist activity. May this be the beginning of even greater achievements politically, judicially and spiritually in the future, including the need for amendments to the existing blasphemy laws. Please continue to uphold Asia Bibi, the Christian mother of five who is still on death row, asking for God's intervention, favour and ongoing protection over her life. As Paul Bhatti and others generate awareness about the plight of Pakistani believers like Asia, may the Lord increase their influence and courage so they can effectively motivate others to stand for truth and righteousness, and thus bring about more positive changes in their nation.
  • Christian Mothers Prevented From Feeding Babies


    A group of Christians
    were detained after police
    raided their house meeting.
    Photo: Flickr / David Holt (cc)

    A group of Christians in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, were detained and tortured last month after police raided their worship meeting in a private home. Among those held for nine hours were several nursing mothers who were prevented from feeding their babies until they had signed statements against their host Sarvar Zhuliyev.

    During their detention, three of the Christians were slapped; another was hit and kicked in the head and abdomen. All were denied access to water or a toilet. The 12 adult detainees, and some of the older children held with them, were forced to sign statements against Sarvar, declaring that he had "taught them the faith of Jesus Christ." Police also confiscated Christian literature, money and personal items. The church members were later convicted and fined for "administrative offences" relating to religious materials and teaching.

    The raid was apparently prompted by reports from a head school teacher who noticed two of his pupils sharing their Christian faith with other children. Police then questioned the two students about their church connections. However, local Christians state that the students were merely acting on their own initiative. More information on persecution in Uzbekistan can be reviewed at the Uzbekistan Country Report.

    Ask God to protect and strengthen the Christians who were recently arrested in Tashkent. May each of these believers -- including the children involved in this raid -- know God's abiding presence and peace. Pray that the Uzbek authorities will take firm action to ensure the officers of the law will respect and uphold the religious rights of the country's citizens. Additionally, may all charges against the Christian leader and participating church members be dropped so their worship meetings can continue ministering to the spiritual needs of those within the community.