Mohammed (now widely known by his Christian name, Bishoy Armia Boulous), was arrested on the morning of December 4th at a café in Minya, Upper Egypt. Security forces claim he had been working for a Christian satellite TV channel and contributing to a "false image" that there is violence being perpetrated against Christians in Minya.
Those familiar with the case argue that Mohammed's arrest had nothing to do with any reporting work but was rather the result of ongoing retaliation for his conversion to Christianity. After embracing the Christian faith in 1998, he was arrested many times. On one occasion, the imprisoned believer was severely tortured for three days.
In August 2007, Mohammed was the first Egyptian to ever file a legal suit to change his religious identity on his ID card. The court later ruled against him on the grounds that Sharia (Islamic law) forbids conversions from Islam. In April 2010, an appeals court suspended the case indefinitely. (For more information on his case,
click here.)
As a result of his conversion and attempts to change his ID card, Mohammed has received multiple death threats, forcing him, his wife and their two children into hiding. His family is reportedly now living in an undisclosed country in Europe.
As our brother-in-Christ faces yet another grueling trial because of his faith, pray that God will grant him needed strength and grace for each moment. May he echo the Apostle Peter's determination to obey the Lord regardless of what mere man says (Acts 5:29). Ask the Lord to also be especially near to his wife and children so that peace may reign in their hearts during this difficult time.
To view a short video interview with Mohammed and his family, please visit our
multimedia site.
ALGERIA: Church Attacked for Third Time
Source: World Watch Monitor
On the night of November 12th, a group of assailants attempted to set a church ablaze in southern Algeria. The group dispersed after police arrived, but no suspects were apprehended.
The church has faced other attacks in recent years. In 2010, assailants broke through the church's gates and entered the building in an attempt to steal the crucifix from the roof. In November of 2012, a group threatened to burn down the church and kill the pastor. "There are people who try to intimidate us...to push us out of here," the pastor explains. "I think it is the growth of our community that disturbs them."
Persecution is intensifying in the country as Islamist groups become increasingly intolerant of other expressions of faith and push for the institution of Sharia law. Less than .5 percent of the population is Christian.
Please bring this pastor and his congregation before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to guard their hearts against fear and anxiety. Despite the opposition they are presently facing, may they continue faithfully meeting together for worship (Hebrews 10:23-25). Pray that God will also work powerfully in the lives of the assailants, drawing them into relationship with Himself and His people.
For more information on Algeria's persecuted church, visit our
Algeria Country Report.
AFGHANISTAN: Convert in Danger of Deportation from the Netherlands
Source: Mohabat News
Mostafa Najafi, an Afghan convert to Christianity who fled his home country to seek asylum in the Netherlands, is facing the risk of deportation. After his immigration case was rejected, he was imprisoned for four months. Now, during his detainment in the immigration camp, he faces the possibility of deportation at any time. He also has received threats from hardline Muslims within the camp.
Mostafa, formerly a Muslim, became a Christian about nine months ago. "The first time I got a chance to read the Bible, I realized that I had found answers to many of the unanswered questions I had all my life," he shared.
His acceptance of Christ comes at great risk, as conversion from Islam is considered a crime punishable by death in his home country. When asked what happens to Christians who return to Afghanistan, Mostafa gave this troubling response: "Everyone is aware of the religious extremism in Afghanistan. Even my own father, when he found out that I had become a Christian, told me that 'killing you is my duty, it is my mandatory jihad.'"
Please join us in praying that Mostafa's case will be reviewed with great heartfelt concern and that, as a result, he will be permitted to stay in the Netherlands. Also raise in prayer the immigration officials, asking the Lord to help them recognize the very real dangers facing converts from Islam so they will serve as humanitarian rescuers by offering security to Mostafa and other believers like him. May God shield Mostafa from harm while in the immigration camp. Pray that his devotion to Jesus will lead others to the Christian faith.
To post a prayer of support and encouragement for Mostafa, please visit our
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
