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2016-03-24

  • More Crosses Forcibly Removed in Zhejiang


    A demolition crew removes
    the cross atop Dajing Church.
    Photo: ChinaAid

    The Chinese government, which continues in its attempt to eliminate the power of Christianity, has removed four more crosses from atop various churches. The city of Wenzhou has been the primary target of the regime as the Zhejiang province is considered the 'Jerusalem of the east' due to its number of thriving churches.

    According to China Aid, the number of crosses destroyed in Zhejiang as a result of the campaign has now reached an estimated 2,000; with 49 of them having been removed in the province since the beginning of 2016 alone. (A previous report on the situation may be reviewed at this page.) To prevent congregants from halting the demolition process, government officials have even opted to wait until the churches are vacated at night to dismantle the crosses.

    Churches protesting against the cross removals have had their water and electricity cut off, forcing services to be held elsewhere as the buildings are deemed unusable. Despite government notices and orders being plastered on church doors, believers have taken risks in their efforts to stop the advance of demolition crews. Church leaders and others opposing the campaign have been taken into custody, some never to be heard from again. For information on China's mysterious "black jails," click here.

    Please join us in praying on behalf of all those affected by the extensive anti-cross campaign throughout the Zhejiang province. May these Christians be greatly encouraged by the Lord who promises to continue His vigilant ministry among them. While the governing officials may try to remove the churches' crosses from the country's skyline, they will never succeed at eradicating Christianity. In fact, we believe that God will bring about even more exponential spiritual growth and revival! Pray that the 'Light of the World' will shine ever so brightly through these believers' lives, illuminating God's truth to such an extent that it will revolutionize the hearts and minds of multitudes in need of our Risen Saviour – including the officials responsible for the anti-cross campaign!
  • Christian Farmers Massacred

    Fulani herdsmen have admittedly slain hundreds of Christian farmers in Benue state, central Nigeria. The heavily armed herdsmen attacked about 300 farmers between February 22nd and 29th in the Agatu local government area of this mainly Christian state, and at least eight others have been killed on March 8th in the Logo area.

    As a result of the attacks, five villages were "utterly destroyed" and numerous homes looted. An estimated 7,000 people have been displaced and forced to seek refuge in camps. Government officials state that the herdsmen have begun clearing the areas voluntarily but locals have noticed that the attackers and their cattle are still occupying villages in Agatu.

    Herdsmen leaders are justifying their murderous actions, claiming that they were committed in retaliation for the thousands of cows that were reportedly killed by local villagers – although there is no evidence backing their accusation. A fact-finding team, which included a human rights lawyer, suspects that the violence was religiously motivated. It was further noted that the churches and Christian homes in these particular areas had been specifically targeted while the mosques were left untouched.

    Information on another attack committed by Fulani herdsmen earlier this year is available here.

    May all in Nigeria who have experienced loss and displacement as a result of this recent crisis be especially comforted by the Good Shepherd who willingly laid down His own life so that they could have abundant life in Him (John 10:10-11). Pray that He will lovingly bind up the brokenhearted, heal the afflicted, and bring provision to those in need. Uphold the country's governing leaders, requesting that they be granted the wisdom, courage and strength to discern and do His will while tackling the extremism perpetrated by the militants. Also pray that the Lord of the spiritual battle will dismantle and disarm the enemy's power so that the bloodshed of His people would cease. We cry out for safe pastures on behalf of Nigeria's Christians that they may live, work and worship in peace.
  • Case Dropped Against Evangelizing Youth


    Scripture passage and dates
    taken as evidence in the case
    against three Christians.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    The case against three Christians who were arrested last summer in Alexandria has been dismissed after an appeal was made by their lawyer. The young men, one of them a minor, were accused of blasphemy during an evangelistic outreach. All three were being investigated, pending possible charges of "showing disdain to a heavenly religion" under a statute that in every way -- except for its official title -- constitutes a blasphemy law. Thankfully, the Attorney General of Alexandria dismissed the case on February 2nd, although the ruling was not officially issued until the 24th.

    Osama (Fawzi) Ibrahim, 16, was arrested for handing out small bags of dates to passersby on the streets of Alexandria. In addition to the fruit, each bag contained a statement about God's love, as well as the name of an Arabic-language website providing information about Jesus and the Christian faith. When friends Stephen Boutros Fayed, 21, and Shady Saeed, 20, went to the police station where Osama was being held, they were also arrested. Despite there being no evidence that the young people were handing out the bags together, police held all three of them in jail. An initial report on their arrest can be found here.

    During this Easter season, let us give praise to God who came "to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound" (Isaiah 61:1b). This includes His intervention in the lives of these three young Christian men. Pray that they will not be deterred by this incident, but rather spurred on to continue sharing the good news of the Gospel. May all those in their sphere of influence be likewise encouraged to fan into flame the gift of God within them (2 Timothy 1:6), holding out the Word of Life to those who so desperately need it -- resulting in a plentiful harvest of spiritual fruit for God's glorious Kingdom.