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2017-01-26

  • Case Relating to Mob Attack Dropped

    eg abdel fattah elsisi wiki
    President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
    Photo: www.kremlin.ru via
    Wikimedia Commons

    Prosecutors have thrown out a case brought by an elderly Christian woman against several members of a militant Muslim mob who stripped her of clothing and forced her to parade naked through the streets, announced the woman's lawyer. Last May's assault in the central Minya province began after rumours spread that the son of the 70-year-old woman was intimately involved with a Muslim woman -- a taboo in majority Muslim and conservative Egypt.

    According to the victim's lawyer, prosecutors cited that there was a lack of sufficient evidence. "It's a calamity," the lawyer says of the prosecutors' decision to throw out this case. "The preliminary investigation heard testimonies supporting her account from family members and policemen at the scene." Another case against the alleged perpetrators, who were also involved in violence targeted against Christian homes, remains ongoing.

    The victimized woman, Souad Thabet, stated in an interview conducted by an American-based TV station that she and her family are unable to return home because of ongoing threats from Muslim extremists in the village. Despite the threats, local authorities are pressing the family to take on the responsibility of reconciling with the people of her community.

    At the time of the attack, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi called for the culprits to be held accountable, giving the military a month to restore property damaged during the violence -- at no cost to the owners. However, "the government is allowing the oppressors to walk free on the streets," states the woman in the televised interview. "This is the village that we were born and raised in.... How can we be the victims, and not be able to return to our village and homes?"

    Discrimination against Christians, who make up about ten percent of the population, is subtle in big cities like Cairo or Alexandria, but much more pronounced in provinces like Minya where they are a sizable minority.

    Pray that Souad will be well-supported and cared for by fellow Christians in her community. Ask the Lord to help her overcome this disappointing outcome, as well as the humiliation she suffered when the incident took place. May Souad receive renewed strength and protection through her relationship with Christ, committing the outcome of the next court case to the Righteous Judge who will ultimately render justice for His people. Also intercede for President el-Sisi, and all others having governmental and judicial authority in Egypt, that they will be granted wisdom as they deal with cases involving the persecution of Christians.
  • Teen Girl Escapes Abusive Abductors

    pakistanA 17-year-old Christian girl is presently in hiding after having escaped kidnappers who brutally abused her. As a result of the abuse, she is left pregnant and terrified. "Sara" (not her real name) was abducted seven months ago, allegedly by militant Muslim neighbours who invited her for a meal, then drugged her. For the next seven months, the teen was held captive and subjected to appalling abuse.

    Thankfully, Sara recently managed to escape and return home to her family. As it is not safe for her to stay in the neighbourhood, she is now receiving care and counselling at a VOM-operated safehouse. Ministry contacts are also seeking justice on her behalf through the courts.

    Ask God to pour out His healing love over Sara, wiping away every tear from her eyes (Revelation 21:4). Pray that justice and restoration will take place for this abused teen and her family -- and for every Christian in Pakistan who's suffering abuse and discrimination because of their faith. May there be a change in attitude towards religious minorities who are considered "second class" citizens by those oppressing them. Pray that the country's government and state officials will lead the way, speaking out against religious intolerance and taking firm action against militants who persecute innocent victims such as Sara.
  • Church Continues Despite Disaster

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    The Kithu Sevana prayer centre that was destroyed.
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    The leader of a Sri Lankan church destroyed by a mob earlier this month has vowed that the church will continue to meet. Kamal Wasantha, leader of the Kithu Sevana Prayer Centre, states: "No attack can stop us. We shall continue to meet and pray under a tree." Despite the attack leaving the Christian community of 15 families and 20 other worshippers nowhere to meet, they have no desire for revenge. "(We) shall not attack them in retaliation," he adds. "Judgement belongs to God."

    On January 5th, a group of people, allegedly led by a Buddhist monk, attacked the church in Paharaiya, northwestern Sri Lanka. "First, they threatened us verbally," Kamal explains. "Then they came with wooden sticks, iron bars and knives, and destroyed everything. (People) begged the attackers not to damage the place of worship."

    Four days prior to the attack, a Buddhist monk from Gothamiramaya reportedly threatened them with "serious punishment" if they continued to lead worship at the church. A complaint was filed with the police by the leaders of the church and warnings were given to others in the Christian community. Then on January 5th, two of the church leaders and the monk were summoned to the police station. Ironically, the attack happened that same night. About 200 witnesses named the monk and 12 other people as the attackers. The accused perpetrators of the crime remain free on bail.

    The church was growing quickly and, with all its members being from other faiths, this attracted the attention of those in the village who do not tolerate Buddhists changing their religion to Christianity. Kamal, himself a Buddhist convert, says he "cannot abandon (this) mission just because of the attacks."