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Voice of the Martyrs, Persecution and Prayer Alert

Government persecution of Christians escalates in China



(Source: ChinaAid Association) imageFor the fifth straight year, the government's persecution of the Church in China has continued to escalate, according to an annual report by ChinaAid Association, one of VOM's partners. The March 31 report was based on 90 known cases of persecution against Christians in China throughout 2010. As ChinaAid President Bob Fu noted, the Chinese government's stranglehold on information makes it impossible for all of the instances of Christian persecution to be documented and taken into consideration. This report is helpful, however, in revealing the widespread extent of opposition facing believers, as the incidences came from throughout China and involved people from all levels of society. It also highlighted three new alarming trends: the full-scale suppression of Christian human rights lawyers groups; use of abuse, torture and mafia tactics; and a severe crackdown on official Three-Self Patriotic Movement churches that do not accept government control. "China still has a long way to go toward true religious freedom and rule of law," said Fu.

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You can download the full report from ChinaAid. Pray that amid escalating persecution, Chinese Christians will find their comfort in Christ to be more than enough for them (2 Corinthians 1:5). Pray for continued wisdom and guidance for Christian leaders as they help equip Chinese believers to stand firm in the faith. Pray the voices of those advocating for religious freedom in China will be heard. Pray those who persecute Christians in China will be challenged by love and grace demonstrated by Christ's faithful and come to faith in the Lord (Romans 12:14, 21).

18 Christians arrested in India

(Source: Global Council of Indian Christians) Eighteen Christians, including two pastors, were arrested on March 28 for converting to Christianity without official permit in Orissa's Mayurbhanj district. The arrests came after a police complaint was filed against the two pastors and 16 newly converted Christians. The Christians were brought before the SDJM Court at Baripada and were released on bail on March 30 and 31, charged under the "Orissa Freedom of Religion Act," which bans any conversion lacking a permit issued by authorities. Sajan K. George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians, called on Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to withdraw the accusations and put a stop to anti-Christian violence in the state. Pray all charges will be dropped and that freedom of religion will truly be experienced by the people of Orissa. Ask the Lord to minister to the new converts and deepen their faith to help them overcome this opposition. Pray the Lord will continue to build His Church. Pray for all those who would oppose Him in India. For more information about the persecuted Church in India, go to the India Country Report.

Afghan Christian remains behind bars

(Source: International Christian Concern) An Afghan who was arrested for his conversion to Christianity remains behind bars one month after the release of Said Musa, another convert who was quietly granted asylum in Europe after an abusive nine-month imprisonment. Shoaib Assadullah, 23, was arrested on October 21 in Mazar-e-Sharif for giving a Bible to a friend. While in prison, Assadullah described being physically abused and receiving death threats from fellow prisoners. He also fears he may face the death sentence for his conversion if he is summoned back to court. While Afghanistan's constitution upholds freedom of religion, apostasy is tried under Islamic law and is punishable by death. In a phone conversation with a friend on March 24, Assadullah said that he will not return to Islam in exchange for his freedom, but is willing to die for his Christian faith. Please pray for the release of Shoaib Assadullah and pray for his protection while he is in prison. Ask the Lord to take away any fear and renew his strength. Pray the Lord will use the testimony of this faithful Christian brother to encourage the faith of secret believers throughout the country. You can post a prayer for Shoaib or persecuted Christians in general on the Persecuted Church Prayer Wall. Learn more about the trials facing Christians in Afghanistan by visiting the Afghanistan Country Report.

Death threats issued against Christian leaders in Pakistan

(Source: ASSIST News Service) A leading human rights campaigner in Pakistan has urged the government to provide "full-fledged security" for Joseph Francis, Director of CLAAS (Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement), after Francis received death threats for his work on repealing of the country's controversial blasphemy laws. Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), told ASSIST News that he is concerned for the safety of Francis and other Christian leaders who are receiving disturbing threats. Walter said, "CLAAS, under the leadership of Mr. Joseph Francis, provides the legal aid assistance to people who are persecuted because of their religion. It is an organization that is working to unite Christian lawyers on a platform to assist in cases that relate to the blasphemy laws in specific. Before 1992, Christian lawyers were afraid to take these kinds of cases." He went on to say, "After the assassination of Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, the Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, Mr. Francis could be a next target of the Taliban and extremists. The Government must ensure his security." Please pray for the protection of Joseph Francis, Naveed Walter and all those willing to stand up for the rights of the Christian minority in Pakistan. Thank the Lord for the way He has equipped them to do this good work. Pray He will give them favour and, through them and others like them, bring about great change in this nation for religious freedom. Read more about the persecution of Pakistani Christians at the Pakistan Country Report.

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