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2015-12-10

  • More Christian Hostages Freed from Captivity

    After months of negotiations with the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group, small groups of Assyrian Christian hostages have been released. One of the most recent of those released consisted of ten Assyrian Christians, including five women, who were freed from captivity on the night of November 24th in Tel Temir town, Hasakah province. These Assyrians were part of a mass abduction that took place in February, numbering more than 200 captured victims, when the Islamic militants attacked various villages along the Khabur river valley. The February raids had also driven another 3,000 Assyrians from the villages. To date, most of them have not returned home.

    "The total number of those released since the start of negotiations has reached 98, mostly the sick and elderly," claims the Assyrian Network for Human Rights. The Assyrian International News Agency reports that 158 Assyrians from Khabur are still in captivity. Other Assyrian hostages are in the custody of ISIS elsewhere, including the 185 hostages who were seized from Qaryatain.

    Unfortunately, many Assyrians have been unable to pay the hefty ransoms demanded by ISIS. In October, when negotiators failed to secure a $12 million settlement, the terrorists threatened to kill all the hostages. Further negotiations to release the hostages are in progress, but details are being withheld due to the "gravity and sensitivity of the situation," according to Osama Edward, director of the Assyrian Network for Human Rights. Concerns for the lives of the remaining hostages persist, as members of ISIS have expressed a willingness to follow through on their threats. More information on the crisis in Syria is available at the Syria Country Report.

    While we can thank the Lord for the safe return of the hostages who have been released thus far, please join us in praying for the protection of those still being held in captivity. Also pray for God's wisdom and guidance to be granted to the negotiators who are carefully mediating on behalf of the remaining victims. May these negotiators be blessed with further success. In the midst of this terrible crisis, where so many innocent lives are on the line, ask the Lord to provide continued comfort, strength and encouragement to all the hostages and their distraught loved ones. Last, but not least, intercede for the members of ISIS who themselves are in bondage spiritually. In addition to the diminished expansion and influence of this terrorist group, may a great number of them experience the salvation and freedom that take place when encountering the Risen Saviour.
  • Persevering Faith Despite Perilous Attacks


    Hassan's life was in danger after he
    stopped attending his former mosque.
    Photo: Flickr / Sherwood

    A group of militant men armed with knives arrived unexpectedly at the door of Hassan Ali's home in Witu, Lamu County, on November 11th. Among those demanding to see him were his in-laws. While escaping through a window, he heard the intruders questioning his wife about her faith.

    Hassan's wife and two children (aged seven and four) have been taken back to live with his in-laws who are reportedly insisting that the youngsters attend a madrassa (Islamic school). While Hassan himself was raised as a Muslim, he became a Christian only about ten months ago. He believes that neighbouring Muslims may have noted his lack of attendance at the local mosque.

    Two weeks prior to the abduction of Hassan's family, Islamist extremists set fire to two church buildings in Tiribe, a village near Mombasa, on October 30th. Pastor Mutuku of Faith Victory Church says his congregation is now meeting in a tent. The leader of the other congregation, Pastor Nyawa of Holistic Church, explains that while most of his members have left, the remainder have no other place to meet except outdoors which means contending with heavy rains and flooding. Despite the many challenges these Christians face, they are gratefully receiving police protection during their outdoor meetings.

    Thank you for upholding Hassan who has been wrongfully separated from his dear wife and children, and forced to flee from their home for risk of being killed, because of those opposing his faith. May God wonderfully comfort our suffering brother-in-Christ and his family, guarding each one of them from evil. Ask the Lord to greatly strengthen the faith of this new believer by bringing spiritually mature Christians into his life for the purpose of ongoing discipleship, fellowship and encouragement. Let us also pray for the affected members of the two Kenyan churches which were set ablaze and destroyed. May the congregation members continue to worship together, trusting God to protect them and provide for all of their needs. In fact, may the enemy's attempts to discourage the victims of these attacks be turned around for greater good (Romans 8:28), helping them to become even stronger and more fervent spiritually.
  • Sisters Released After Repeated Detainment


    Officers detain members of the Daguan
    house church in a raid on May 24th.
    Photo: China Aid

    Three sisters from China's southwestern Guizhou province who were detained in mid-October for worshipping God in their home have been released, although other members of their house church are still awaiting a final decision from the court. An anonymous member of the Daguan house church stated on November 22nd that the women were released from their administrative detention after serving a 15-day sentence. The only reason given for the detention was that they had "violated the public security administrative punishment law." In a previous incident, the same three women were detained in June for "illegal assembly" and "organizing cult activities." Thankfully, in that situation as well, they had been granted release after serving a short detention.

    A brother related to the three women is still presently in detainment, along with four other Daguan house church members. Authorities detained these five Christians during two separate raids which took place on May 24th and June 7th. The June raid had occurred during a church meeting in one of the believers' homes. The legal procuratorate involved decided that the evidence provided by the public security bureau was insufficient and, therefore, the case was returned to the bureau for further investigation.

    Unfortunately, remaining members of the Daguan house church, which was founded 13 years ago, have not gathered since the raids took place earlier this year for fear of retaliation. "We dare not meet," one of the Christians admitted while referencing due concern over the consequences. "We would get arrested immediately." Other reports on religious persecution in China can be reviewed at this page.

    Despite the injustices these Chinese Christians have endured, may the Lord reassure them of His abiding presence -- filling them with an even greater hope in Him and an increased love for others, so that even in prison their gentleness will be evident to all (Philippians 4:5). As members of the Daguan house church and other congregations in China await the release of detained friends and loved ones, may they be able to continue their times of fellowship together...faithfully meeting as unto the Lord. In the meanwhile, please pray that further attacks against these believers will falter, and those who oppose them will realize the error of their ways and turn from evil.