Please pray Christians in Egypt will preach the gospel with boldness in areas where incidents of persecution continue to increase (Acts 4:31). Pray the Lord will soften the hearts of those who currently oppose Him and His church.

You can learn more about the plight of Christians in Egypt at our Egypt Country Report.

A 16-year-old Christian girl, whose name has also been withheld, was raped by three men on July 21 in Farooqabad. The three men, who work for the same Muslim employer as her father, overpowered her while she was at home. They then raped her while threatening that they would shoot her in the forehead if she screamed for help. The next morning, the girl’s father, Ghafoor Masih, went to the police station to file a report but the Station House Officer Inspector refused his requests. However, due to pressure from a superior officer, the Inspector finally registered the complaint on July 29. While Ghafoor was on his way home from filing the report, two other Muslims who work for his employer reportedly intercepted and kidnapped him. The men took Ghafoor to their employer’s home where they and another employee shackled and tortured him, leaving him in critical condition. At last report, several of the perpetrators had been arrested. “Muslim landowners and their relatives see Christian girls or women as their chattel,” the national director of the Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement said. “Such vicious incidents are not being stopped by the government, and day by day the rate of rapes of Christian girls is escalating instead of plunging.” (Source: Compass Direct)

Pray that the Lord will heal the physical, emotional and spiritual wounds of these two girls. Pray that their families will be a source of compassion and strength. Pray that those who perpetrated these violent attacks will repent and turn to the Lord for forgiveness. Pray that attacks on young Christian girls in Pakistan will stop. To post a prayer of solidarity for these two girls, please visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

For more information on the plight of Pakistani believers, go to the Pakistan Country Report.

Three “ringleaders” were tried, sentenced to death, and executed soon afterwards. The other 20 were reportedly sent to prison camp No. 15 in Yodok. The arrests and executions happened in mid-May — the news, however, only recently emerged from the so-called “hermit kingdom.” The events have also been confirmed by North Korea Intellectual Solidarity, a group of North Korean defectors based in Seoul committed to raising awareness of injustice and promoting reform in their homeland. The 23 Christians had reportedly come to faith after some of them travelled to mainland China on business and came into contact with the church there. (Sources: Release International, AsiaNews)

Please pray for believers in North Korea who follow Jesus at great risk. May they have opportunities to meet together to provide encouragement to one another. Pray for all those in authority in this nation, ask the Lord to favour them with wisdom, compassion and the light of the Gospel. Please pray that those in prison may know of the love and presence of their Heavenly Father.

For more information on suffering Christians in North Korea, go to the North Korea Country Report. You can post a prayer for North Korean Christians on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

Ask God to equip Mike by His Holy Spirit to remain strong in his faith and maintain a bold witness. Pray that he and other Christians in this community will continue to give themselves fully to the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Pray for an end to violence against Christians in Ethiopia.

To learn more about the ongoing opposition of believers in Ethiopia, go to the Ethiopia Country Report.

A house church building in Xi Thoai village, Phu Yen Province, Vietnam was attacked and damaged by a gang of youths on July 18. The building, which was also intended to be the home of Christian evangelist Mang Vuong, was in the process of being constructed in order to serve the ethnic Hroi community as the nearby church had reached full capacity. Vuong belongs to the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South), the country’s largest government-registered denomination.

The same youths, spurred on by local authorities, earlier broke into Vuong’s home on June 10 and stole 60 million dong (approximately $3,250 CAD) — money borrowed to pay the contractor of his new house. Household items including furnishings and books were also destroyed.

Since the attack in June, police from local and provincial levels came to the area several times to “investigate.” However, local Christians believe authorities were only attempting to identify the Christians in the village. In the following weeks, authorities did nothing to address the crime and failed to stop the daytime raid in July. “There was no other reason for this — it is religious persecution, pure and simple, incited and allowed by local government officials,” a prominent church leader said. “The inaction of higher officials casts into doubt our country’s claim to uphold religious freedom.” (Source: Compass Direct)

Pray that believers in Xi Thoai village will not lose heart but will trust the Lord in all things. Pray for wisdom for area church leaders during this time. Pray that authorities in Vietnam will respect religious freedom.

Visit the Vietnam Country Report to learn more about the plight of Vietnamese Christians. For testimonies of others who have endured persecution in Vietnam, sign up to receive the August edition of The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter. Click here to receive your free copy today.

During the attack, Reverend Nuhu Dawat of the Church of Christ in Nigeria escaped with one of his children, but his wife and two other children were killed. His grandson, Nanfa, was shot in the foot, thrown in a bathroom and left to die. Fortunately, he was found by the police and taken to hospital, where he is recuperating well.

Villagers claim that although the security forces were called and arrived in time to quell the violence, they waited until the attack had ended before entering Mazah. The area is currently reported to be “quiet but tense.” Some residents have fled the area in fear of further violence.

The attack followed recent clashes in eastern Nigeria in which eight people were also killed and several buildings torched (click here for more). Some observers say the violent attacks are the result of religion being exploited in the struggle for local power. There is also fear that such conflict could increase in the run up to elections expected early next year. (Source: AFP, Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

Please pray that those who have lost loved ones will know God’s comfort. Pray for Nigerian authorities as they seek to restore law and order in the region. Pray that those responsible will be brought to justice. Ask God to enable Nigerian Christians to respond to their persecutors in a Christ-like manner, with forgiveness and without retaliation.

For more information on persecution in Nigeria, please visit the Nigeria Country Report.

Rev. Rashid Emmanuel (32) and his younger brother, Sajid Emmanuel (30), were shot and killed on July 19 after they were accused of blaspheming the prophet Muhammad. The two men, leaders of United Ministries Pakistan, were being returned to jail under police custody when they were attacked and shot by several masked men. Sajid was instantly killed, while Rashid later died from his injuries. The bodies of the two reportedly bore cuts and other signs of being tortured while in police custody.

Rashid was arrested for blasphemy on July 1 at a train station, where he went to meet with a stranger who had requested to see him. When Rashid arrived he was surrounded by police, who showed him copies of a three-page document that insulted Muhammad and was supposedly signed by Rashid and Sajid. Police arrested Sajid three days later. On July 14, handwriting experts notified police that the signatures on the blasphemous document did not match the brothers’ writing. Sources believe the brothers were likely to be exonerated of the charges.

When news of the murder reached the brothers’ neighbourhood of Dawood Nagar, Faisalabad, Christians gathered to protest. Police fired teargas cannons at the protestors, who in turn threw stones. The situation quickly became volatile, with indiscriminate shooting occurring between Christians and Muslims. At last report, a curfew had been initiated in the area.

In the days before the murder, Muslims organized large demonstrations calling for the death penalty for the brothers. Islamic extremists reportedly led the protests, which were attended by hundreds of Muslims. A church building was damaged and believers hid in their homes or fled the area. Announcements were also broadcasted from mosque loudspeakers, calling on Muslims to “burn the houses of Christians.” (Source: Compass Direct)

Pray for all those mourning the loss of Rashid and Sajid. Pray that those who perpetrated this attack will repent and come to know the Lord. Pray that, even in the midst of such injustice, Christians will respond with grace and love. Pray for lasting peace between Muslims and Christians in Pakistan. Post a prayer for those who are grieving for Rashid and Sajid; visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

To learn more about persecution in Pakistan, please visit the Pakistan Country Report.

The believers in the area ask for prayers for Amodini, that the Lord would heal her wounds. They also ask that the peace of God will keep her firm in her faith. Pray also for the men who so cruelly attacked her. Pray that they will repent and turn to Christ. Pray that believers in India will continue to be bold in sharing the Gospel amid violent opposition.

Click here to find out more about persecution in India.

An Iranian Christian, Ali Golchin (29), has been held in solitary confinement in Tehran’s Evin prison since he was arrested in his home town of Varamin on April 29. After weeks of appealing to the authorities, Ali’s father was finally allowed access to him on June 17 — though they were allowed only 10 minutes together. Ali’s father shared that he was distressed to find his son “crying uncontrollably” and in obvious pain. Ali, who is a chemical analyst, has been sent to the prison health centre twice due to “weakness and severe stomach aches.” Sources believe Ali has been ill-treated during interrogation sessions.

The Iranian authorities have still not charged Ali with any offence, nor has a defence lawyer been appointed to his case. Ali’s wife has been warned not to attend church and told that she will only be able to negotiate with the authorities about Ali’s release if she converts to Islam. (Source: Farsi Christian News Network)

Please pray for Ali’s release! Pray the Lord will sustain him and his family. Pray the Lord will use Ali’s testimony to strengthen the faith of other believers and bring about change in the political and judicial system in Iran.

You can learn more about the plight of Iranian Christians by visiting the Iran Country Report.

Photo from AsiaNew

A group of unknown assailants attacked a college professor and severed his right hand and part of his arm in Kerala, India. TJ Joseph, a professor at Newman’s College in Thodupuzha, allegedly offended some of his Muslim students two months ago with some questions he included in a test. Due to protests from Islamic groups, Joseph was suspended from his job and apologized for his “unintentional error.” Nevertheless, he continued to receive threats.

On July 4, Joseph was returning from a Sunday service at his church when a van pulled up beside him. The assailants forced him from his car and attacked him with knives and swords, amputating his lower arm and inflicting deep wounds to his body. At last report, doctors were attempting to save his limb.

The attack has been condemned by many Islamic groups. The attackers are suspected to be members of the militant Popular Front of India. (Source: AsiaNews)

Pray for full and rapid healing. Pray that the misunderstanding which led to the attack will be resolved. Pray for peace amongst India’s religious communities.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to the India Country Report.

Prayer Needs

Iraqi Christian killed in targeted bomb attack

Death threat and increasing opposition in Bekasi, Indonesia

Assailants sever Christian’s hand in India

Pakistani family rescued from mob, accused of blasphemy

Previous Editions

June 30, 2010

June 24, 2010

June 17, 2010

June 10, 2010

June 3, 2010

May 27, 2010

May 20, 2010

Persecution & Prayer Alert

Country Reports

Select a CountryAfghanistanAlgeriaAzerbaijanBangladeshBelarusBhutanBruneiBurmaChechnya/RussiaChiapas/MexicoChinaColombiaComorosCubaCyprusEgyptEquatorial GuineaEritreaEthiopiaGaza StripIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIsraelJordanKazakhstanKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaosLebanonLibyaMalaysiaMaldivesMauritaniaMexico/ChiapasMoldovaMoroccoMyanmar/BurmaNepalNigeriaNorth KoreaOmanPakistanPalestinePhilippinesQatarRussiaSaudi ArabiaSomaliaSri LankaSudanSyriaTajikistanTibet/ChinaTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanUnited Arab EmiratesUzbekistanVietnamWest BankYemen

Persecution and Prayer Alert

July 08, 2010

No matter where The Voice of the Martyrs ministers, the first request of persecuted Christians is almost always the same: “Pray for us.” Answer that request by joining The Voice of the Martyrs in praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.   Sign up today to receive specific, up-to-date prayer requests by email every Thursday through the Persecution and Prayer Alert. To subscribe, click here. Iraqi Christian killed in targeted bomb attack A Christian man, Behnam Sabti (54), was instantly killed when a bomb attached under his car exploded on July 5 in Mosul, Iraq. Local sources believe that Behnam, who worked as a nurse at Mosul’s Jumhuriya hospital, was killed because of his “religious identity.” He was married with three children. Iraqi officials report that, on a national scale, violence has been decreasing in recent months. Nevertheless, people are still living in fear, particularly Christians and other religious minorities who are often targeted for their faith. (Source: AsiaNews) Pray for the family of Behnam as they mourn the loss of their husband and father. Pray that those responsible for this attack will be found and brought to justice. Pray for peace in Iraq and that Christians will be able to live out their faith in freedom. For more information on the difficulties facing Iraq’s Christian community, visit the Iraq Country Report. Death threat and increasing opposition in Bekasi, Indonesia Photo from AsiaNews Christians in Bekasi, West Java have faced growing opposition in recent months from Muslims opposed to “Christianization.” On July 5, a banner with the picture of a Christian man with a noose around his neck was hung on the front of a mosque in Bekasi, stating, “This man deserves the death penalty.” The man, Andreas Sanau (29), is one of two men accused of organizing mass baptisms. The accusations came after busloads of poor villagers arrived at a Christian relief agency on June 30 as part of an outreach program. However, baptism is not a part of the program. Church services throughout the city have been repeatedly interrupted and Christians threatened. In June, the Bekasi Islamic Congress met and set up a “mission center” along with a youth army to oppose Christian efforts. There is also a push for sharia law in the region. (Sources: AsiaNews, Compass Direct) Pray for protection for Christians in Bekasi. Pray that the threats against Andreas will not be acted upon. Pray that the authorities will protect the Christians against opposition from militant Islamic groups. Go to the Indonesia Country Report for more details on the persecution of Christians in Indonesia. Assailants sever Christian’s hand in India Photo from AsiaNews A group of unknown assailants attacked a college professor and severed his right hand and part of his arm in Kerala, India. TJ Joseph, a professor at Newman’s College in Thodupuzha, allegedly offended some of his Muslim students two months ago with some questions he included in a test. Due to protests from Islamic groups, Joseph was suspended from his job and apologized for his “unintentional error.” Nevertheless, he continued to receive threats. On July 4, Joseph was returning from a Sunday service at his church when a van pulled up beside him. The assailants forced him from his car and attacked him with knives and swords, amputating his lower arm and inflicting deep wounds to his body. At last report, doctors were attempting to save his limb. The attack has been condemned by many Islamic groups. The attackers are suspected to be members of the militant Popular Front of India. (Source: AsiaNews) Pray for full and rapid healing. Pray that the misunderstanding which led to the attack will be resolved. Pray for peace amongst India’s religious communities. For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to the India Country Report.