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2016-04-07

  • Multiple Churches Raided during Commemorations


    An historical Russian cathedral in Almaty.
    Photo: Flickr /Martin Lopatka (cc)

    On March 25th, as New Life Pentecostal Church in Kazakhstan's commercial capital of Almaty was commemorating Good Friday, police launched simultaneous raids on five church-owned buildings and the homes of six pastors and church workers. Although a court approved the searches in January, it remains unclear why the authorities waited for two months before conducting the raids. The raids came eight months after prosecutors opened a criminal case against the church on alleged charges of large-scale fraud, charges the church vigorously rejects.

    "We're not fraudsters," a church member from Almaty explains following the raids. "On the contrary, we help people. We've been working here in Kazakhstan for 26 years." The church has expressed concern about the widespread hostile reporting of the criminal case and raids by the local and foreign Russian-language press. "You can understand the impact this is having on children of the church members (especially of the leaders) in school."

    A member of another church elsewhere in Kazakhstan expressed concern over the wider impact of media coverage announcing allegations made against Almaty's New Life Church. "This has an impact on all Christians across Kazakhstan," the church member told sources on March 30th. "People will be afraid to come to any church or to have anything to do with churches."

    This is not the first time police in Kazakhstan have launched a series of searches and made strongly disputed allegations that were repeated by local media with no right of reply given. Churches in this area have had to deal with compulsory registrations, interrogations and threats, persistent raids of church property, and many unjustified criminal cases opened against them. Other reports of religious persecution in this country, as well as informative video clips, are available at the Kazakhstan Country Report.

    Let us join together in prayer for the churches in Kazakhstan that are having to contend with these various challenges due to the extremity of governmental restrictions and oppression. Ask the Lord to provide these Christians needed encouragement, wisdom as they deal with the authorities, justice in the court system, and the strength to persevere in the midst of trial. Pray that He will abundantly bless them for their faithfulness. May they also be reminded that these temporary earthly struggles are nothing in comparison to the glory and great rewards awaiting them in eternity for honourably upholding His name. In the meantime, may they continue shining His light and love to all around them -- blessing even those who curse them.
  • Young Persecuted Teen Faces Upcoming Surgery


    Pray for Danjuma's upcoming surgery.

    Danjuma, a 13-year-old Christian boy who was severely injured during an attack on his village about a year ago, is scheduled for surgery to repair the damage that was done to his left eye. On January 28th, 2015, Islamic militants who are members of the Boko Haram terrorist group attacked Danjuma with a machete, cutting into the left side of his head and later gouging out his right eye.

    As a result of the inhumane physical assaults he experienced, Danjuma is blind and unable to distinguish any light in his remaining left eye. He navigates his surroundings with a walking stick, and will soon be attending a school for the blind. The young teen has also experienced other major health concerns as a result of the attack, and yet his bright and cheerful countenance -- despite the physical challenges he contends with -- is a great inspiration to all who know him.

    Our in-country ministry partners have requested prayer on behalf of Danjuma's upcoming eye surgery in hopes that the scheduled procedure will help him to regain his vision. Incidentally, Danjuma's testimony will be featured in the upcoming May 2016 issue of VOM Canada's monthly newsletter. If you are not already receiving this complementary publication, you may subscribe here.

    Praise God for Danjuma's great love for the Lord and his joyful buoyant spirit, although he and his family have suffered so greatly. Pray that this young man will be further strengthened in his resolve to live wholeheartedly for Jesus, serving as a vibrant testimony to those of his village and beyond.... As the surgery approaches, may he experience the peace "that surpasses all understanding," resting in the assurance that God can be trusted to work out His very best plan with the outcome. May the future be bright and full of many wonderful opportunities for Danjuma who is grateful for VOM's provision of medical assistance and quality education.
  • Young Coptic Christian Cleared of Blasphemy Charges


    Bishoy Kameel Garas
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    An Egyptian Copt named Bishoy Kameel Garas has been declared "innocent" after spending more than half of his six-year sentence in prison for alleged blasphemy charges, the Cairo Court of Cassation has ruled. Bishoy, who is now in his late 20s, was jailed in September 2012 for offending the country's dominant religion, the former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, and a Muslim sheikh's sister. The charges were related to Facebook posts found on a fake page opened in his name.

    Despite mounting evidence weighing on the side of his acquittal, the prosecution and two lower courts insisted on condemning the Christian man, until the higher court finally declared him innocent on March 13th. All experts agree that Bishoy, now legally cleared of guilt, will not be receiving adequate compensation.

    "The defendant will have his three years in jail as credit, to be debited in case he's sentenced for any future offenses," states Safwat Samaan, Director of Nation Without Borders, a human rights advocacy group. The advocate describes the situation as a "legal travesty." For a previous report on Bishoy's situation, visit this page.