Tags

2016-01-21

  • Mission Workers Fatally Wounded by Terrorists


      The victims were aiding in the construction of a school.

    On January 15th, attackers linked with Al-Qaeda murdered 29 people from 18 countries before being stopped by Burkina Faso and French security forces. Six of the victims were Canadian citizens on a humanitarian trip prompted by their Christian faith, four of whom are from the same family. A seventh Christian victim was a U.S. missionary.
  • Death of Young Christian Soldier Suspicious


    Bishoy Kamel
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    Bishoy Kamel, 21, was seemingly brutally murdered in an altercation with a fellow soldier while serving a mandatory 25-month service with Egypt's security forces. The official report records the death as "suicide by hanging." But due to the multiple wounds on his body, Bishoy's family rejects this statement.

    "His body bore signs of torture and extensive violence," Bishoy's father recalls. "His forehead was protruding from swelling. He had an injury to his nose; clear bruises under his arm, his right ear and his right cheek; and other bruises to his back and abdomen. If someone would hang themselves, would they also injure their underarms? Would they beat their own back and stomach?"

    Hani Ramsis, the family's lawyer, has advised his clients to insist on an autopsy. "We have seen this same pattern in earlier cases," the lawyer explains, referring to the death of another Christian conscript, Bahaa Silvanus, whose case the army also classified as a suicide. "There was no evidence collected, no fingerprints taken, no investigation, nothing carried out, and yet they 'knew' it was suicide."

    Bishoy's death is one of five similar cases, stretching back almost a decade. Interestingly, each of these deaths, predominantly attributed to suicide, had involved a Christian. Much to the families' anguish, claims of religious bullying were never properly investigated by the authorities. Bishoy's suspicious death has been the third case involving a Christian in army or police service during the year 2015.

    Please pray for Bishoy's parents (and other family members) as they mourn the loss of their beloved son who would have otherwise been returning home after his completed term of army service. May they rest in the comfort that Bishoy is now safe in the arms of Jesus. Let us also join together in lifting up the members of the Egyptian army, praying that the country's military leaders will ensure proper investigations take place in cases of violence among their ranks. In the meantime, may God touch the hearts of all men and women serving within the country of Egypt, that there may be no malice amongst them, but rather unity and harmony for the benefit of all.
  • Miraculous Release of Saeed Abedini


    Pastor Saeed Abedini
    Photo: ACLJ

    Christians from all over the world can now rejoice as Pastor Saeed Abedini has recently been released from prison. He was one of four prisoners with dual American-Iranian nationality to be freed on January 16th amid intense negotiations surrounding Iran's nuclear programme. Since his release, the 35-year-old pastor has been joyfully reunited with his wife, Naghmeh, and their two children. While relieved that her husband has now arrived safely home, Naghmeh recognizes the need for his continued healing. "The journey is not over yet," she says. "There are a lot of things we'll have to go through."

    Pastor Saeed, an Iranian believer from a Muslim background, had been arrested in September of 2012 while visiting an orphanage he was building with government approval. During his visit in Iran, he was sentenced to an eight-year prison term on charges of "threatening national security" due to his involvement with house fellowships. While imprisoned, Pastor Saeed reportedly endured torture, death threats and pressure to renounce his faith, and was also denied medical treatment for the internal injuries sustained during repeated beatings. To read more about his situation, click here.

    Pastor Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, had expressed great joy and surprise at the news of his release, thanking the many believers around the world who have been interceding for him.

    We can join Naghmeh, and others around the world, in offering thanksgiving and praise to our merciful God for this wonderful outcome! Pray that Pastor Saeed will now be able to fully experience physical, emotional and spiritual healing, leaning heavily on the Lord for strength throughout his recovery and as he reconnects with his young family. May his Christian witness among former inmates and prison guards continue ministering to hearts so that many more Iranians will receive God's gift of salvation. Ask the Lord to also continue strengthening and encouraging other believers within the country, including those still awaiting release from detention, so they may serve as powerful witnesses of His love.

    Additional note: There are approximately 90 Christians remaining in Iranian jails. They include Maryam Naghash-Zargaran who is serving a four-year sentence in Tehran's Evin Prison. Maryam, too, has experienced abuse and suffers from ill health. Thankfully, Pastor Behnam Irani, who has been imprisoned since 2011, is due to be released this October. (Pastor Behnam's case is available here.)