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2016-03-10

  • Attack of Christian Care Home

    On March 4th, gunmen killed at least 16 people in a horrific attack on a Christian care home in the city of Aden. The home, which provides compassionate care and ministry to its elderly and disabled residents, is operated by a Christian charity organization founded by Mother Teresa.

    The fatalities include four missionaries -- two from Rwanda, one from India, and one from Kenya -- along with several other workers, including at least five from Ethiopia. The whereabouts of the Indian pastor based at the home are unknown and a cause for concern.

    Although Aden, the Yemeni capital, was recaptured from Houthi militants by forces loyal to President Hadi last July, the country is still in the grip of lawlessness and conflict. Extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula remain at large. More information on this country, as well as previous reports, can be found here.

    Please uphold the families, friends and colleagues of those murdered in this recent attack -- including the surviving elderly and infirmed residents of the Christian care home -- asking God to provide them the comfort, presence and peace of our Lord Jesus. Also during this time of upheaval, may the remaining believers in Yemen receive His protection and guidance in every aspect of their lives and Christian witness. May the perpetrators of this horrific crime be convicted by the Holy Spirit of their grievous sin against fellow humanity and, as a result, earnestly seek God's forgiveness and the new life He offers through His Son.
  • Further Assyrian Hostages Released by ISIS


    Some of the 43 hostages released
    after their year-long captivity.

    Islamic militants released a group of 43 Assyrian Christians on February 23rd, after holding the men, women and children hostage for a year. Those released, many of whom are under 10 years of age, are now reunited with their families. Although there are still hostages in the southwestern region of Syria, this final release of the Hasakah province hostages is an immense blessing to the Assyrian Christians who have been tormented by their loved ones' kidnappings.

    In February of 2015, ISIS overran dozens of villages along the Khabur River, taking 253 Christians hostage and demanding ransom payments in exchange for their release. Thankfully, the Islamic State-affiliated group in Hasakah has been working through negotiations with the Assyrian Church of the East to secure the hostage release.

    Another large group of Assyrian Christians from Qaryatain was abducted last August, and while some have been released, 179 are still in captivity. During the fall of last year, ISIS militants released a video showing the execution of three Assyrian Christian men, while making high ransom demands for the release of the remaining hostages. Previous reports on the critical situation in Syria are available here.

    In addition to praising God for His intervention on behalf of the newly released hostages, we can also rejoice with the many families that have been joyfully reunited after their year-long separation. May they receive the Lord's healing and restoration after such a lengthy ordeal. Please continue to pray for all the hostages remaining in captivity, that they will also be protected, strengthened and eventually freed from the control of their captors. Let's also remember the numerous Syrians who have been displaced due to last year's ISIS attacks on their villages. May they receive His clear direction and miraculous provision for their every need.
  • Proposed ''Insulting Religious Feelings'' Law Withdrawn

    In the Eurasian country of Georgia, parliamentary deputy Ioseb Jachvliani of the ruling Georgian Dream coalition withdrew a proposed law that he claimed would have imposed fines for an unclearly defined offense of "insulting religious feelings." In his letter to parliament, he stated that the law "needs to be refined."

    The Office of the Public Defender (ombudsperson) also called for the proposed law to be rejected, as it contravened 'freedom of expression' and the rule of law requirement that the legal consequences of actions should be predictable. It was further noted that the Constitutional Court has stated that "disapproval of views, values and ideas cannot serve as grounds for restricting freedom of expression."

    The need for 'freedom of expression' is clearly reflective of the tremendous challenges faced by Georgians during the rule of the former Soviet Union and the communists' strict anti-religious regime. In past years, people and communities not aligned with the former Soviet-controlled Georgian Orthodox Church have suffered many attacks for their non-complying beliefs and practices. Mobs opposing them have severely attacked and injured innocent people -- including Christian evangelicals -- destroying places of worship (such as ancient frescos in church interiors) and religious literature. Baptists, Catholics and Pentecostals were included in the attacks. Few of the perpetrators were ever brought to justice by the governing officials of the day.

    The situation in Georgia serves as a reminder for all Christians -- regardless of denominational affiliation or background -- to seriously heed God's greatest commandment, which has been clearly outlined by Jesus Himself in Mark 12:30-31: "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength...and...you shall love your neighbour as yourself." May the truth of the Gospel message be preached in all fullness throughout Georgia so many of its citizens will go beyond just a mere knowledge of the Lord nominally, but rather experience the reality of His abiding presence and the fulfillment of His greater purposes in their lives. For only then will the inhabitants of this historical land be truly blessed with His love, peace and the joy of united fellowship.