Tags

2016-03-31

  • Bible Translators Murdered by Militants

    Four translators employed with Wycliffe Associates were recently murdered by militants in an unnamed location of the Middle East. According to the organization's representative, the raid took place at the translators' office. Two of the translators were shot and killed. The other two workers were able to protect the life of the lead translator by laying on top of him during the attack. They themselves had succumbed to fatal injuries while deflecting bludgeoning blows from the attackers' spent guns.

    The militants responsible for the attack also destroyed items used for translating, including print-on-demand equipment, books and translation materials. However, the Wycliffe Associates spokesperson reports that the militants did not destroy the computer hard drives containing the translation work for eight language projects. Members of the organization are now planning to transfer the office from its present site in the Middle East to another undisclosed location.

    Ask the Lord to mend the wounded hearts and physical injuries of the surviving translation team members, and to bring greatly needed comfort to loved ones who are now grieving over the sudden loss of the slain workers. Pray for Him to strengthen and equip the other translators as they rise to the challenge of continuing with the eight language projects so that this tragedy will in no way restrict the Gospel from going forth throughout the Middle East. Also remember the perpetrators of this crime, praying that their eyes be opened to the truth, as well as the seriousness of what they have done, so they will experience sincere repentance, forgiveness of sin and, ultimately, eternal salvation.
  • Christians Mourn Easter Sunday Attack

    An Easter gathering at a public park in Lahore, Pakistan, was attacked by a suicide bomber leaving almost 70 people dead and many others seriously wounded. A Pakistan Taliban faction has claimed ownership for carrying out the attack.

    The explosion took place in the parking area of Gulshan Iqbal Park, just a few feet away from some children's swings. The area was crowded at the time because Christians were gathering to celebrate the Easter holiday.

    One eyewitness said there was chaos, resulting in a stampede where children were separated from their parents in the rush to escape. Hasan Imran, a 30-year-old local resident who had gone to the park for a walk, told Reuters: "When the blast occurred, the flames were so high they reached above the trees and I saw bodies flying in the air." According to Lahore's deputy commissioner, Mohammad Usman, the number of injured was 193.

    Believers in Pakistan are often the target of religious extremist groups. Last year, suicide bombers from the Pakistani Taliban attacked two churches in the Christian neighbourhood of Youhanabad, also located in Lahore. To review VOM Canada's report on these earlier attacks, visit this page.

    Please join us in interceding for the many innocent victims who've been injured in this most recent dreadful Lahore attack. Pray that the Lord's gentle ministering touch will bring healing, peace and wholeness to the bodies and minds of all who've been affected by the resulting trauma. May those mourning the loss of loved ones rest in the comfort of knowing they are now safe in Christ's loving care -- from the duration of this present time throughout eternity.

    Video footage from BBC is available here.
  • Human Rights Lawyer Released


    Zhang Kai (right) in Washington, D.C.
    Photo: ChinaAid

    It was announced that Zhang Kai, the lawyer who was detained in southeastern China for defending churches affected by a provincial government's anti-cross campaign, has been recently released by the police. While he and his family could not be reached for a comment, China Aid, a Christian rights group based in the United States, has confirmed his release.

    Zhang was detained last August in Wenzhou, a commercial city of Zhejiang province that's known for its strong Christian influence. However, for the past two years, officials have been waging a campaign enforcing the removal of crosses from church buildings across the province. To learn more about the cross demolition campaign, click here.

    A brief message posted to Zhang's account on the WeChat social network announced that he was back home: "I have returned to my home in Inner Mongolia safely. Thank you to all my friends for your concern, caring and...consolation. And thanks to the Wenzhou police who have taken care of me during this time." Information on Zhang's arrest and charges is available at this page.

    We can rejoice along with others around the world -- especially our Christian brothers and sisters in China -- who are offering praises to God for His intervention in the safe release of Zhang Kai, and for the guidance and care that was provided throughout this Christian lawyer's imprisonment. Pray that the Lord's peace and guidance will continue to be with Zhang as he adjusts to life beyond the confinement of prison walls. May God's divine intervention also be evident in the lives of others in Zhejiang who are experiencing challenges due to their Christian faith, blessing them beyond measure for their faithfulness in the midst of trial.