Source: World Watch Monitor
On August 28th, local police officials sealed the premises of the New Life Church. Then just over two weeks later, on September 14th, they detained the church's American pastor, Patrick Jensen, with orders from the Interior Ministry to deport him immediately. Patrick was held for 30 hours before being permitted to return to his home in Turkey (as his case is still pending). In addition, the believer's Turkish residence permit -- valid through to November of 2015 -- was cancelled, with a temporary 30-day permit issued until the court rules on his appeal.
Patrick was also ordered to pay 3,043 Turkish lira (approximately $1,500CAD) for violating the country's labour laws, which require a work permit for legal employment status. However, he declined to pay the fine, arguing that he is a volunteer serving in the church. He also noted that an inspection board under the Labour Ministry had mistakenly classified the church as a place of business.
Patrick started the small congregation nine years ago when he and his family moved to Gaziantep. Between 30 and 40 adults attend the services each Sunday. Now, without any other options for a place of worship, the church group has met informally in a park and in private homes. The fledgling congregation has not yet applied for official status as an association, which is the only legal option open to register new Christian congregations.
Let us bring this difficult situation to our Lord in prayer, trusting that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Specifically, please ask that He grant peace to Patrick and this congregation as they await the court's decision. May the authorities overturn the fine and deportation order, and instead allow Patrick to remain in the country and lead the church. In addition, pray that this congregation will continue to meet together for worship despite this latest obstacle, and that God will provide another suitable location for their services.
To learn more about the persecuted church in Turkey, check out our Country Report.
RECENT PRISONER UPDATES
IRAN: Three Christian Converts Arrested
Source: Mohabat News
Three converts to Christianity were recently arrested by authorities in Isfahan and immediately transferred to prison. Shahram Ghaedi, Heshmat Shafiei and Emad Haghi were seized on September 27th, while security officials also raided the home of Shahram and confiscated his books and computer.
Shahram, 32, previously faced arrest in February of 2012. In that incident, he was sentenced to three months in prison for evangelism. At present, the young Christian man was in the process of creating a film about Jesus. However, the project was disrupted after authorities arrested several of the cast members. Some of the members were even forced to leave the country due to ongoing pressure. According to sources, it is very likely that the recent arrest of these three men is related to their involvement in the production of this film.
Knowing that our Lord is fully aware of the challenges these imprisoned men are facing, let us pray that He will grant them necessary peace and strength. May they soon be released and permitted to return to their concerned loved ones. Until then, may God use these men to serve as effective witnesses of His redemptive love in the lives of their fellow prisoners and authorities. Also ask that the film these men were producing will no longer be hindered, but rather completed and used powerfully to spread the Gospel throughout Iran.
To share your own prayer requests for these imprisoned followers of Christ, visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
SUDAN: Meriam Ibrahim's Lawyers Under Threat
Sources: VOM USA, Fox News, BBC
Five lawyers who defended Meriam Ibrahim, a Christian woman who was sentenced to death for apostasy, have been accused of tarnishing "the image of Sudan by allowing human rights organizations to put pressure on the government." On September 15th, they were prohibited from leaving the country and face the possibility of having their licenses revoked. Since Meriam's death penalty was overturned in June, the lawyers have received threats from extremist groups accusing them of being "un-Islamic." The lawyers are not followers of Jesus, but willingly defend Christians and other minorities in Sudan.
Meanwhile, Meriam and her family are continuing to settle in the United States after leaving Sudan in late July. In a recent interview, Meriam recounted her time in prison, stating, "The situation was difficult but I was sure God would stand by my side." She further spoke of her desire to campaign for others who are facing religious persecution, and expressed that she hopes to someday return to Sudan. (For more information on Meriam's charges and later release, please visit our website.)
Remember these five lawyers in prayer, asking that God will protect them from those who wish them harm. May "justice roll on like a river" in this situation (Amos 5:24), so that these lawyers will be free to continue serving Christians and other minorities who so desperately require legal representation. Also, please keep in prayer Meriam and her family as they continue to adapt to their new life in the United States. May the Lord use them in a powerful way to extend His Kingdom purposes both here in the West and in Sudan.
For more information about the struggles Christians face in Sudan, visit our online Country Report.
