(Source: VOM contacts)
In early July, it was reported that the case of Youcef Nadarkhani, an Iranian pastor sentenced to death for leaving Islam, (click here for more information) was being returned to a lower Iranian court.
In recent days it was learned that his lawyer has finally received the written confirmation of the ruling from the Supreme Court. According to one source, the Supreme Court has agreed with the death sentence verdict. However, the court also found procedural flaws and is asking the lower court to re-examine the case. The judges are reportedly seeking clarification as to whether Pastor Youcef was truly a Muslim prior to becoming a Christian.
If Pastor Youcef is determined to have been a "true" Muslim and does not recant his Christian faith the death sentence will stand. It is also feared that Pastor Youcef could be executed before the court re-examines the case.
Pray for enduring faith for Pastor Youcef as he continues to face severe pressure to deny his Saviour. Pray that officials will repent of their unjust actions and allow Youcef to be exonerated and released. Pray that all Iranian Christians imprisoned for their faith will be sustained by the love and presence of their Heavenly Father.
You can encourage Pastor Youcef today by writing him a letter online, in his own language, at
Link. You can also download a free guide for writing prisoners of faith.
To find out more about Iranians serving the Lord at great risk, visit the
Iran Country Report.
House church leader kidnapped in Iraq
(Sources: VOM contacts, Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
A house church leader has been kidnapped by Muslims in Duhok, Iraq. A young Iraqi girl recently told VOM contacts that Muslims broke into her home and took her father, Jamal. Pastor Jamal works among the Shabak people -- a people who have Jewish roots and speak Arabic and Kurdish. It is suspected the militants targeted him for helping lead many Muslims to Christ. Several weeks ago, the home of one of Jamal's recent converts was sprayed with machine gun fire. Many fear that the militants, possibly members of al Qaida, will not give Jamal any option of release but immediately kill him.
Throughout Iraq, Christians in environments of violence continue to face the agonizing choice of fleeing their homes or remaining in a climate of fear and pressure. Most Christians have left the country or have been forced to move from their hometowns due to continuous attacks, and it is estimated that less than half of a million Christians remain. Despite threats against them, hundreds of Iraqi Christians in Kirkuk recently celebrated the opening of a new church -- the first to be built in eight years.
Pray that Jamal will be released and brought home safely. Pray that he will rest in the knowledge that the Good Shepherd is with him through his sufferings (Psalm 23). Pray that both he and his family will remain faithful to the Lord in this time of trial. Thank the Lord for the opening of the church in Kirkuk. Pray that the Church will continue to strengthen and grow, even amid the ongoing persecution.
To find out more about Iraqi Christians suffering for their faith, go to the
Iraq Country Report.
South Sudan receives independence; Christians remain at risk
(Sources: Middle East Concern, VOM)
On July 9, Sudan and South Sudan officially became separate nations -- a separation in accordance with a referendum held in January (click here for more information). The secession comes after a long history of violence and conflict, including two civil wars between the largely Islamic north and the Christian and animist majority in the south. Christians, in particular, have endured severe opposition.
Although many people, from Sudanese Christians to international leaders, have expressed hope over the South's independence, it is clear that the people on both sides of the new border continue to be at risk of violence and religious freedom violations. In the months leading up to the secession, clashes erupted in several areas. Government agents and Islamic militants looted churches and killed Christians in regions of South Kordofan state. There remain concerns that churches in the Sudan may face further restrictions on their freedom of worship if the government implements a strict form of Shariah, or Islamic, law. With Christians continuing to flee to South Sudan, it is also feared that remaining believers in the north could be especially vulnerable to violence, pressure, and baseless accusations of defaming Islam.
Pray that Sudanese Christians will be examples of justice, peace and love as their nation navigates through this chapter of transition. Pray that the government of Sudan will listen to the concerns of the international community and recognize the importance of religious freedom. Pray that Christians in both Sudan and South Sudan will continue to entrust themselves to Christ knowing Jesus is the ruler over the kings of the earth (2 Timothy 1:7-12, Revelation 1:5).
For more on the trials facing Sudanese believers, go to the
Sudan Country Report.
Lao pastors languishing in prison
(Source: Compass Direct)
Two Lao pastors arrested six months ago for holding a "secret meeting" are languishing in prison due to the harsh conditions. In early January, officials arrested Pastor Wanna along with 10 other believers and detained them for celebrating Christmas without prior approval. Within days police had released nine of the detainees. Wanna, however, and another local pastor, Yohan, remain imprisoned.
Prison authorities have repeatedly told the men that they will be freed as soon as they sign documents renouncing their faith. After a recent visit, Wanna's family members observed that he had lost weight, contracted an infection and seemed extremely weak. Both Wanna and Yohan's families are also facing hardship, as the men were the principal providers for their families. Several of Wanna's children have since left school to find work.
Pray for health and strength for Wanna. Pray that he and Yohan will continue to draw on the Lord, knowing that He can equip them with the faith and hope they need to endure their chains. Ask God to comfort and provide for their families in this time. Pray that the charges against them will be dropped and that they will be released. Pray that the Word of God will continue to be declared with clarity, boldness, love and power by all believers in Laos.
To learn more about the persecution of Christians in Laos, go to the
Laos Country Report. To post a prayer of support for these pastors and their families, please visit our
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
