Information on the Persecuted Church

last entry for this blog- but the concern and prayers remain!

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:07:00 +0000

The news that appears on this blog has almost completely come from two sources:

www.opendoorsusa.org
www.vomgroups.com

Rather than recirculating the information that comes from these newsletters, I encourage any readers who visit this site or who receive the RSS feed -- to visit these sites and request the newsletter directly. The newsletters cover many more stories and demonstrate more need than this blog can. They are also consistent in updates.

When this blog started, it was understood that it would be a short-term project. So, it will now come to an end.

Please join with me in continuing to pray for the needs of the persecuted church around the world.

Victim of Bomb Blast in Israel Recovering

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:03:00 +0000

On March 20, 2008, Ami lifted the lid of a Purim basket left anonymously at the Ortiz’s family apartment. A bomb hidden inside the basket exploded. Blinded by explosion, Ami was rushed to the hospital covered with blood and burns. His body had been blasted with the needles and screws contained in the bomb. The doctors told his mother, Leah, that Ami was “Anush.” “Literally, in Hebrew it means the spirit is leaving the body,” she said.

Now, 20 months later, Ami (16) is back in school and playing basketball. And, last week on Nov 12, Jack Teitel, the man that police say committed the crime, was indicted for attempted murder. Little is known about Teitel but one thing is certain – he believes he was acting in accordance with the will of God.

In spite of all the pain that the Ortiz family has gone through, Leah said she has seen much good come from the tragedy, including miraculous healings. She said that the bombing has helped soften the opinion of people in Israel toward Jews who believe that Jesus is the Messiah promised by the Jewish prophets.

Howard Bass, a leader of a Messianic congregation in Beer Sheva, Israel, isn’t so sure. “It’s not that simple,” he said, adding that such attacks may help tolerant people to eschew violence, but that others will actually be encouraged by the bombings.

Regardless of what happens in court, members of the Ortiz family say they have forgiven Teitel. David Ortiz, Ami’s father, hopes one day to sit down face-to-face with Teitel and talk. He said he hopes Teitel will become another Apostle Paul.
via Open Doors newsletter

CHINA - Believers Assaulted, Church Destroyed – China Aid Association

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:07:00 +0000

On Sept. 13, a mob of more than 400 people, including Chinese officials, barged into the Good News Cloth Shoes Factory on the site of the Fushan Church building in Linfin City, Shanxi province, according to China Aid Association. The officials used two construction vehicles to tear the building's foundation and also attacked church members who were sleeping on the site. Believers were assaulted with bricks and other blunt objects. The attackers smashed windows, doors and appliances, and looted church members' money, cell phones, clothes and books. They also stole the factory's business license.

At least ten church members were severely injured in the violence. Several were taken to the emergency room for treatment. However, the hospital was told by unidentified authorities to withhold medical treatment, including blood transfusions, from the injured church members. The factory's electricity, water supply and telephone have been terminated and guards have been placed on-site to monitor the supply lines. The Voice of the Martyrs has supported persecuted believers in China for more than 30 years.

Pray that the Lord will strengthen members of the Fushan Church in their hearts, minds and bodies as they face opposition for their faith. (from VOA newsletter)

SOMALIA - Christian transporting Bibles killed – Compass Direct News

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:02:00 +0000

On Sept. 15, 69-year-old Omar Khalife, a Somali Christian, was shot dead by members of al-Shabaab, a Muslim extremist group, when Bibles were found in his possession, according to Compass Direct News. At approximately 10:30 a.m., a bus transporting Omar Khalife was stopped by extremists at a checkpoint near the city of Merca. When the extremists discovered 25 Somali Bibles in one of the bags Khalife was delivering to an underground fellowship group they demanded to know who owned them. When the passengers did not disclose the owner, they used photos in the bag to determine the owner. When they realized the photos resembled Khalife, they asked him if the Bibles were his. When he did not respond the extremists shot and killed him. They transported Khalife's body and the Bibles to Merca and displayed them as a warning to others. Later that day, a member of the extremist group reported Khalife's death on a local radio program. Khalife, who had been a Christian for 45 years, was active in sharing the gospel and baptizing Christian converts from Islam. He is mourned by his wife and seven children. Praise God for the life and testimony of Omar Khalife. In recent months, Khalife is the latest believer killed by the Muslim extremist group al-Shabaab. Ask God to protect and encourage believers who courageously continue to stand for Him in the midst of danger. Pray for peace in war-torn Somalia.

MIDDLE EAST – Pray for Muslims – VOM Sources

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:55:00 +0000

On Sept. 1, The Voice of the Martyrs received a letter from the wife of one of many Christians being held in prison in an Islamic country. In her letter, she shared how her 3-year-old daughter struggles with her husband’s imprisonment and asked for continued prayers. The letter highlights the challenges Christian families are facing in Islamic countries. Many believers are being held in prisons because they refuse to recant their faith. VOM encourages you to pray for this family and many others who are asking God for their loved ones’ release. Pray for the children who do not understand where their parents are. Ask God to comfort them with the Holy Spirit.

UZBEKISTAN - Believers Arrested – Forum 18 News

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:54:00 +0000

On Aug. 23, seven church members belonging to the registered Donam Protestant church were arrested and Christian literature confiscated when more than 20 police officers raided a church service in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, according to Forum 18 News. Members of the Anti-Terror Police claimed the service was “unauthorized” and although three men were released on the same day, four, including the pastor, Vladimir Tyo, were sentenced to 15 days in prison. They have been charged with “violation of the procedure for organizing and conducting meetings.” The judge ordered the confiscated literature be destroyed. This is the latest of many raids on both registered and unregistered religious communities in Uzbekistan. The Voice of the Martyrs supports persecuted believers in Uzbekistan by encouraging them and providing resources to courageous believers. VOM encourages you to pray for the imprisoned believers and their families. Ask God to protect and encourage them and other believers living under heavy scrutiny from the government.

SOMALIA – Christian Convert Murdered by Extremists – Compass Direct News

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:56:00 +0000

Compass Direct News reports that on Aug. 18, a Christian convert from Islam was shot dead in Bulahawa, Somalia, by members of al-Shabaab, an Islamic extremist group. In early 2009, Ahmed Matan began facing harassment from Muslim extremists who demanded to know why he had expanded his trading business to Mandera, a town in neighboring Kenya. Two weeks before his death, Matan informed the former leader of the underground church he had attended since 2001 that extremists were monitoring his activities and preventing him from working in Kenya. Matan is survived by a wife and three children, ages 7, 4 and 3 months. Pray for those grieving the loss of Matan. Pray that Somali believers will remain faithful even upon threat of death

INDIA — Church burned in Andhra Pradesh — VOM Sources

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:54:00 +0000

On Aug. 20, The Best Friends Church building in the village of Mahasamudram in Andhra Pradesh, India, was burned to the ground by suspected Hindu extremists, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. A dedication service for the newly constructed church building had been scheduled for Aug. 30. The pastor constructed the building on his property after hosting the services in his home for seven years. Ask God to protect the pastor’s family who live near the burned church. Pray that the believers of this church will continue to gather together for worship. Pray that those responsible will experience repentance and salvation, just as Paul did.

BELARUS — Church Evicted — Forum 18 News

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:53:00 +0000

On Aug. 20, New Life Full Gospel Church in Minsk, Moscow, was issued an eviction notice by government officials, forcing them to abandon their church building purchased in 2002, according to Forum 18 News. The church is adamant they do not fear the government’s threats. “We’re here praying and believe God will protect us,” Sergei Lukanin, the church’s lawyer told Forum 18 News. “As a lawyer I believe the state could do anything, including the use of force. But as a believer I rely on God.”

Government authorities have not disclosed why the church is being evicted, but have repeatedly refused to grant the church’s application for registration. In 2002, Belarus passed a restrictive religion law that made all unregistered religious activity illegal. New Life Full Gospel Church is one of many churches in Belarus facing increased restrictions by the government. Forum 18 News said the government has fined two other churches since July in the western town of Baranovichi. Ask God to encourage members of New Life Full Gospel Church and for their testimony to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Christ.

persecution in India - from VOM

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:02:00 +0000

GABBUR VILLAGE - On Aug. 9, Hindu extremists barged into a worship service in Gabbur village and assaulted Pastor James dragging him out of the building. He escaped the attackers and filed a report with police. Later that night, the extremists attacked Pastor James again at his home and chased his family out of the village. At last report the family has not returned to their home.

PADMANABHANAGAR VILLAGE - On Aug. 16, Pastor John Quadros was attacked and harassed by Hindu extremists while visiting a home to pray for a sick believer. The pastor was accused of forcible conversion, questioned and told to inform officials of any future prayer activities. The extremists threatened to attack him if they heard of further prayer meetings.

ANNIGERE VILLAGE - On Aug. 11, 80 Christians were attacked by Hindu extremists while attending a training camp for teachers. Extremists accused the Christians of being involved in forcible conversion. They confiscated cell phones, Bibles and assaulted the pastors. One pastor escaped and sought help from the police. Police arrived on the scene but, according to media reports, they watched as Bibles were collected and burned. Eight pastors were arrested later and charged with unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal conspiracy and "acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious beliefs." The names and addresses of the other Christians were recorded by police before they were sent home. The detained pastors were released on bail on Aug. 18.

CHINA – Youth Camp Raided – China Aid Association

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:36:00 +0000

On July 23, Public Security Bureau (PSB) and Religious Affairs Bureau (RAF) officials raided a Christian youth camp in Nanyang city, Henan province. PSB and RAF officers took away all 20 students attending the camp for further investigation . The students, each under 18 years old, were released to their families that afternoon. Two instructors, 40 year-old Cheng Ping, and 30 year-old Miao Miao, were arrested and sent to the Yongan Lu Detention Center in Nanyang city. They were reportedly sentenced to administrative detention. The lengths of their sentences are unknown. Officials told church leaders who organized the camp not to speak publicly about the case. Pray the young people who had this strenuous experience remain faithful to Christ. Pray for their instructors who remain in prison. Pray believers in China will continue trusting God despite increased persecution.

Pakistan: 8 Members of a Christian family are burned

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:56:00 +0000

Monday, August 03, 2009

Paramilitary troops patrolled the streets of a town in eastern Pakistan yesterday after Muslim radicals burned to death eight members of a Christian family, raising fears of violence spreading to other areas.

Hundreds of armed supporters of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, an outlawed Islamic militant group, burned dozens of Christian homes in Gojra over the weekend after allegations that a copy of the Koran had been defiled.

The mob opened fire indiscriminately, threw gas bombs and looted houses as thousands of frightened Christians ran for safety. “They were shouting anti-Christian slogans and attacked our houses,” Rafiq Masih, a resident of the predominantly Christian colony, said. Residents said that police stood aside while the mob went on the rampage. “We kept begging for protection, but police did not take action,” Masih said.

Police and local officials said that at least eight people, including four women and a child, were killed in the fires. Two others died of gunshot wounds. Residents said that the casualties were much higher; one claimed that the number of dead could be in the dozens as many bodies were still buried under the rubble. Shahbaz Bhatti, the Minister for Minorities, said that 40 Christian homes were torched in rioting. He said there was no truth to allegations that a Koran had been defiled, and accused the police of ignoring his appeal to provide protection to Christians.

Tension started mounting last week after Muslims accused three Christian youths of burning a copy of the Koran. They denied the allegations, but clerics called for their death. On Saturday, hundreds of supporters of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, an outlawed Sunni sectarian group, poured into the town from surrounding districts. The group is believed to have close links with Al Qaeda and has been involved in several terrorist attacks targeting security forces in recent years.

Television footage showed armed men running through the streets, gunfire, and women and children wailing. Blackened furniture lay outside burning homes, while a group of people rushed a man suffering from burns on a cart through the streets. Rehman Malik, the Interior Minister, said that the paramilitary troops were sent after police and the local administration failed to control the situation. Security forces were also placed on high alert to prevent violence from spreading to other towns of Punjab.

via the Times

SRI LANKA – Pastor Assaulted - National Christian Evangelical Alliance

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:55:00 +0000

On July 23, a pastor of a church in Polonnaruwa district, North Central Province, Sri Lanka was brutally attacked by unknown assailants, according to the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. The pastor was driving home from a prayer meeting when a group of men on motorcycles called out to him. When he stopped his vehicle and rolled down his window, the assailants attacked him with knives. He was able to prevent them from slashing his neck but sustained severe arm injuries. His vehicle was also damaged. The pastor eventually fled the scene and sought help. Pray for healing for the injured pastor. Ask God to bless the ministry of Christian workers spreading the Gospel in Sri Lanka amid opposition.

SOMALIA - Christian man murdered - VOM Sources

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:54:00 +0000

On July 20, a convert from Islam to Christianity was murdered in the city of Mahadday Weyne, Somalia by members of al-Shabaab, a militant group with ties to Al-Qaeda, according to Compass Direct News. Mohammed Sheikh Abdiraman, who had been a Christian for 15 years and was the leader of a group of underground believers, was shot at approximately 7:00 a.m. He is survived by two children, ages 10 and 15. His wife died three years ago due to illness. Ask God to comfort and guide Abdiraman's children in this difficult time. Pray that increased persecution will result in increased boldness among believers in Somalia.

VOM newsletter- prayer for Christians in Eritrea

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:33:00 +0000

Christians in Eritrea have reported that the government has changed its tactics to suppress the evangelical faith in the country. In a letter smuggled out of a place of detention, incarcerated Christians tell how the official interrogators are trying to force Christian prisoners to admit that their churches have been participating in work for the CIA on behalf of the United States government.

Let us pray that Eritreans would be freed from fear of the strong-arm tactics of the government. Let us pray that our Eritrean brothers and sisters in faith may, with the help of God, be good witnesses for Jesus to their neighbors. Pray that many will turn to God and His great love for them during these troubled times and experience “new birth into a living hope.” (1 Peter 1:3).

“What is happening regarding the persecution of evangelicals in this small country in eastern Africa is a disgrace,” says Open Doors USA President/CEO Carl Moeller. “There is no legal recourse for those Christians who have been tossed into prison camps. Many of them face torture and death. Many continue to keep their faith under tremendous pressure.” Christians in Eritrea explain that if the imprisoned believers give in to this pressure, they may be forced to testify against their church associations in a military court, which could have severe implications for the church associations. According to Open Doors sources, all prisoners confronted in this way have so far refused to give in, apparently resulting in severe “physical and psychological” torture.

Let us pray for these saints incarcerated in prison camps. Pray for God’s divine protection and provision of both physical and spiritual needs. Let them know that they do not stand alone… that we are with them.

With the death of Andom last week, the number of Christians who have died while imprisoned for their faith in Eritrea now total nine. Here is a partial list of the saints who died for their faith in Christ:

Yemane Kahasay Andom, 43, died on July 23
Mogos Hagos Kiflom, 37
Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom, 42
Nigisti Haile, 33, died from torture on September. 5, 2007
Magos Solomon Semere, 30, died from torture and pneumonia in February. 2007
Immanuel Andegergesh, 23, died in October 2006 from torture and dehydration
Kibrom Firemichel, 30, died from torture and dehydration also in October 2006

CHINA – House church leaders arrested in Sichuan

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:52:00 +0000

On June 9, several dozen Chinese officials from the Domestic Security Protection Squad barged into Pastor Li Ming’s home in Langzhong city, Sichuan province, where more than 30 house church leaders were gathered, according China Aid Association. Pastor Li's home was searched and all of the believers arrested. Thirteen leaders were sentenced to 15 days of administrative detention. Five other leaders, including Pastor Li, were placed under criminal detention and are likely to face formal criminal indictment or up to three years of "re-education through labor." The remaining leaders have been released.

Ask God to give wisdom and guidance to the imprisoned leaders and their families. Pray for an end to crackdowns against believers in China.

from China Aid Association via VOM news

NEPAL - Extremists’ Warn Believers

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:12:00 +0000

UPDATE: On June 10, The Voice of the Martyrs received a copy of a letter from the Nepal Defense Fund (NDF), threatening to bomb 10 Christian homes in Nepal, if believers did not leave in 30 days, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The letter written by R.P. Mainali, the supreme commander of the NDF, published in a local newspaper, said the Nepalese government should not have released 62 Christians, in 1989 and 1990, who had been jailed for actively proselytising. The letter warned that these Christians, who have continued their work, were threatening Hinduism. “We are giving these unholy elements who are grabbing the authority of the people of the country under the cloak of religion, a notice of one month to leave the country, otherwise we will explode 10 bombs in the homes of the 10 Christians in Nepal, for which we take responsibility in advance,” the NDP letter said.

Pray for believers in Nepal who are living under these threats. Ask God to protect them and for their courageous testimony to draw non believers into fellowship with Christ.
--via VOM newsletter

NEPAL - Hindu Extremist Threaten More Bombings – VOM Sources

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:17:00 +0000

UPDATE – The leader of the Hindu extremist group, Nepal Defense Fund (NDF), has threatened to bomb the homes of all Christians if they do not stop spreading the gospel within one month, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. In a letter received by local newspapers in Nepal, R.P. Mainali, the supreme commander of the NDF, demanded that Nepal be declared a Hindu state and Christians should not be allowed to worship freely. He said Hindu groups would not allow foreign missionaries and if the government did not comply, “they would fight the government.” NDF was responsible for the May 23 bombing of a Catholic church in Kathmandu that killed three believers and wounded 15 others. VOM is assisting six injured believers with medical treatment through VOMedical. Ask God to heal those who were injured. VOM encourages you to pray for believers in Nepal who face increased persecution and uncertainty. Ask God to protect and encourage them. Pray their testimonies will draw others into fellowship with him.

IRAN – House Church Raided by Police – VOM Sources

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:16:00 +0000

On May 21 five newly converted Christians were arrested in Karaj, Iran after plain clothes security officers raided a house church where they had gathered for a Bible study, according to Farsi Christian News Network. Javad Abtahi, was among those arrested and his house was searched during the raid. … was given no arrest warrant by the security officers and his house was searched without any court authorization,” FCNN said. “In this search and seizure, several Bibles, New Testaments were confiscated and all the participants were handcuffed and taken to an unknown location.” The families of the arrested believers have tried to ask the government where their loved ones are being held, without any success. FCNN added that the government has always refused to disclose where it holds arrested believers. The Voice of the Martyrs supports persecuted believers like the five recently arrested. VOM encourages you to pray for these believers and others in Iran who risk their lives daily because of their faith.

NEPAL – Three Christians Killed in Church Bombing

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:41:00 +0000

On May 23, a bomb killed three Christians and wounded 15 others at the Assumption Catholic Church, in Kathmandu, Nepal, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. During Mass attended by more than 250 people, a young man and woman entered the church and placed a bag on the floor of the church. “A few minutes later a bomb exploded sending shrapnel and nails flying into the congregation, “VOM contacts said. A 15 year-old girl was killed instantly and a 30-year-old newlywed who was visiting her family from India, died on the way to the hospital. Fifteen others were injured including one of the priests. Three remain critical. A second bomb was later disarmed by police before it detonated. Pray for the families of the deceased. Ask God to heal those who were injured and to protect believers in Nepal. Ask God to use the testimonies of believers to draw non believers into fellowship with Him.
– VOM Sources

INDIA – Pastor Brutally Attacked –

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:39:00 +0000

On May 2009, Pastor Ramesh Mandevey was brutally attacked and left for dead by 10 Hindu extremists while he was returning from visiting a believer’s home in Tundavata, Madhya Pradesh, India, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The extremists questioned the pastor and another believer about their evangelistic activities. “Before Pastor Ramesh could answer, they started beating him severely using their fists, clubs and rods,” VOM contacts added. “Thirsty, tired and severely injured, Pastor Ramesh started crawling towards a nearby tree. Before he could reach the shelter of the tree, the extremists returned and snatched his mobile phone, wallet that had Rs. 500 (US$10) and camcorder.” The pastor was later taken to the hospital with severe injuries on his right arm, leg, head and jaw. The injuries on his jaw are so severe that he is unable to swallow food. Before the attack, Hindu extremists lodged a complaint with the police accusing the pastor of forcibly converting Hindus.
--from VOM

CHINA - Christians Released From Prison

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:38:00 +0000

On May 9, 16 Christians from the China Gospel Fellowship were released early from administrative detention in Xinye, Henan province, according to China Aid Association. The Christians were released before serving their 10 to14 day sentences and without paying the 1,000 Yuan (US$150) fine. The released believers were part of a group arrested on April 30 and accused of “harming the society by falsely using the name of religion and Qi Gong.” Public Security Bureau officials raided the meeting and arrested the Christians. Two Christians were released days later, but 16 were held until May 9. Praise God these believers were released without restrictions.

home Bible Study in San Diego illegal?

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:15:00 +0000

Couple: County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies

POSTED: 5:31 pm PDT May 25, 2009

UPDATED: 7:43 am PDT May 28, 2009

SAN DIEGO -- A local pastor and his wife claim they were interrogated by a San Diego County official, who then threatened them with escalating fines if they continued to hold bible studies in their home, 10News reported.Attorney Dean Broyles of The Western Center For Law & Policy was shocked with what happened to the pastor and his wife.

Broyles said, "The county asked, 'Do you have a regular meeting in your home?' She said, 'Yes.' 'Do you say amen?' 'Yes.' 'Do you pray?' 'Yes.' 'Do you say praise the Lord?' 'Yes.'"

The county employee notified the couple that the small bible study, with an average of 15 people attending, was in violation of county regulations, according to Broyles.Broyles said a few days later the couple received a written warning that listed "unlawful use of land" and told them to "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit" -- a process that could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

"For churches and religious assemblies there's big parking concerns, there's environmental impact concerns when you have hundreds or thousands of people gathering. But this is a different situation, and we believe that the application of the religious assembly principles to this bible study is certainly misplaced," said Broyles.

News of the case has rapidly spread across Internet blogs and has spurred various reactions.Broyles said his clients have asked to stay anonymous until they give the county a demand letter that states by enforcing this regulation the county is violating their First Amendment right to freely exercise their religion.

Broyles also said this case has broader implications."If the county thinks they can shut down groups of 10 or 15 Christians meeting in a home, what about people who meet regularly at home for poker night? What about people who meet for Tupperware parties? What about people who are meeting to watch baseball games on a regular basis and support the Chargers?" said Broyles.

Broyles and his clients plant to give the county their demand letter this week.If the county refuses to release the pastor and his wife from obtaining the permit, they will consider a lawsuit in federal court.

http://www.10news.com/news/19562217/detail.html

http://backupurl.com/dwdh5r

PAKISTAN - Six Churches Attacked and Christian Homes Burned by the Taliban

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:39:00 +0000

On Feb. 22, the Taliban attacked six churches, burned several Christian homes and four Bibles and injured children in Karachi, Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Eye witnesses reported the Taliban shouting, “Accept Islam, Accept Islam, LA ILAHA ILL ALLAH MUHAMMADUR RASOOL ALLAH,” meaning there is no god, only Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. The churches attacked were: Christ United Church, Philadelphia Pentecostal Church, ARP Church, Salvation Army Church and two public churches. The Voice of the Martyrs supports persecuted believers in Pakistan. Pray for the believers who were injured in this attack and those who lost their homes. Ask God to encourage and protect believers in Pakistan who continue to stand for Him despite persecution.

the worst persecution hot spot

noreply@blogger.com (friendinME) — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:37:00 +0000

North Korea is a country in which being a Christian is punishable by death. Owning a Bible carries the risk of being subjected to brutal torture.

North Korea is a life gripped by merciless famine, but where those who search for food are executed in the marketplace. North Korean believers are cut off from the outside world and held ransom by the idolatrous regime of a power-hungry dictator.

For most of us, it’s simply unimaginable. But this is the shocking reality of life for the people of North Korea.

for further information click here