Source: WEA Religious Liberty Commission
On April 13th, members of the Al Shabaab militant group ended the life of 42-year-old Fartun Omar, a Christian mother of five in Beledweyne, Somalia. Fartun's husband Siad, who was also a believer, had been previously killed by gunmen on December 8th, 2012, for converting from Islam.
According to reports, the militants were searching for Fartun for several months because they were opposed to her quiet Christian faith, which she tried to keep discrete in this hostile environment. It was while attempting to flee the city that this mother of five had been captured and then mercilessly shot to death. To view other reports on Somalia, go to Somalia Country Report.
Please pray for Siad and Fartun's surviving children...that they would experience the comforting and loving presence of Jesus during this time of heartbreak and trauma. Despite the tragedy of suddenly losing both parents, may the Lord work out His good plans in each of their lives. Also pray that He will defeat the destructive plans of the Al Shabaab militants, bringing them to justice, repentance and salvation.
CHINA: Christian Leaders Detained After Church Raids
Source: China Aid Association
A house church in southwest China's Sichuan province was raided by police and security agents on two separate occasions recently.
The first raid took place on April 25th during a music practice. As a result, the pastor and 15 other leaders of Langzhong house church were taken into custody and the brass instruments that were used at the practice have been confiscated. Ten of the 16 were released the next day, with the exception of six church leaders (including Pastor Li Min) who were all sentenced to between three and 15 days' administrative detention.
The following day (April 26th), police and security agents raided the same church during a prayer meeting, this time detaining Pastor Li's wife, Song Liangyu. The house church, which consists of about 1,000 members, has suffered persecution before. One of the previous incidents took place in May of 2012, when officials raided a meeting held in Zhanggongqiao village, banning its leaders from holding further gatherings. Other incidences of persecution in China, see China Country Report.
Pray for the immediate release of all these detained believers, thanking God for their courage and perseverance in ministry despite the pressures they've received from officials to give up. May He use their steadfast witness to move the hearts of those who instigated and conducted the raids and arrests, so the perpetrators will no longer hinder His Kingdom work but actually become participants through it!
SOUTHEAST ASIA: Lives of Converted Family Under Threat
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs
Brother "Keon" and his wife have suffered intense persecution since opening their home to other Christians last Christmas. The family accepted Jesus Christ after their son was miraculously healed from an illness. But after converting to Christianity, Brother Keon was forbidden to associate with anyone in the village.
The village leaders were angry because Brother Keon and his wife received Christians into their home without asking permission, which would have been denied anyway. This new convert is now concerned about his family's safety, including that of his own, as other believers have disappeared without notice or been kidnapped. Brother Keon and his family are standing firm in the Lord despite the dangers. It's their desire to remain in the village where they feel called to minister.
Thank the Lord for His miraculous healing of Brother Keon's son, and for the faithfulness of these new believers. Pray that He will surround this family with His protection, filling their hearts with peace beyond comprehension as they bring their needs before Him with thanksgiving and rejoicing (Philippians 4:4-7). May Brother Keon and his family continue to be effective witnesses for the Gospel so many others in their village will experience God's saving grace.
MYANMAR: Provision for Believers After Loss of Jobs and Homes
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs
Persecution is increasing in Myanmar as more people turn to Jesus Christ. As a result, Buddhists who've converted to Christianity are finding it difficult keeping their jobs, while facing the very real possibility of being driven from their homes. (See [url=http://www.persecution.net/burma.htm]http://www.persecution.net/burma.htm[/url] for previous reports, as well as insightful video broadcasts.)
Two families currently working with VOM's Burma fish farm project are grateful for God's provision after having personally lost their jobs and homes since coming to faith in Christ last July. One family is living in a hut used for secret worship services, while the other is living in a hut where fish feed is stored.
Amid the increasing pressure, the fish farm just completed its second harvest cycle. And thankfully, despite setbacks from flooding and government opposition, the farm has generated an income. This income will be invested in church planting, with a portion of it being re-invested to make the farm more productive.
Praise God for these faithful believers in Myanmar. Pray that He will continue to grant them grace and strength amid their challenging circumstances (Colossians 1:11). May His provision continue in abundance, serving as a witness of His goodness and mercy.
