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Persecution and Prayer Alert, Voice of the Martyrs

NIGERIA: Tragic Loss Takes Place Due to Recent Bombings



Sources: International Christian Concern, The Voice of the Martyrs Australia At least twenty people were killed on March 18th by a series of bombings targeting buses in a predominantly Christian neighbourhood of Nigeria's northern city of Kano. A rescue official on the scene reported: "I saw three buses on fire. One of them was fully loaded with passengers waiting to leave the station at the time of the blasts." While officials suspect the series of explosions were likely initiated by suicide bombers, investigators are still collecting evidence to confirm that theory.
As the bombings took place in a predominantly Christian area of Kano, officials suspect that Christians were most likely being targeted by the attacks. Sadly, too many innocent victims in northern Nigeria have either been killed or injured by Boko Haram's heinous acts of violence. The official death toll is expected to rise as security officials continue to examine the scene of the most recent bombing. For other reports on Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report. Pray that these believers in Nigeria will find refuge in the Lord and not be overcome by fear (Psalm 46). May they follow Christ's example in both their reaction to this unwarranted violence and their attitude toward the perpetrators (1 Peter 2:21-23). Also pray that the Lord's comforting presence and promised 'peace that surpasses all understanding' be experienced by the families of the victims.

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SRI LANKA: Repeated Attacks on Persecuted Pastor's Home

Source: Release International After being threatened, intimidated, and forced to move six times in four years, a Sri Lankan pastor's family has endured yet another attack on their home...this time by a large mob demanding an end to church services in the village. On March 18th, Pastor Pradeep Kumara's wife, Aruna, and their two children were trapped in their present home for three hours while a local mob reportedly ordered them to come out, and then demanded an end to the conducting of worship services in the church. Although police were called to the scene, they were unable to control the mob. According to reports, Aruna was injured as a result. When the attack occurred, Pastor Pradeep was in the capital city of Colombo for a Supreme Court hearing about a previous assault on his church. Despite the overall decrease of traditional churches, evangelical Christianity has experienced significant growth in the past 30 years, resulting in increased opposition, especially from militant Buddhists. As Buddhism is the national religion of Sri Lanka, Christianity currently accounts for less than 10 percent of its population which presently consists of over 20 million people. (To learn more about this country, review the Sri Lanka Country Report.) Thankfully, during times of difficulty, the church has experienced further growth and spiritual fervour, enabling the Gospel to continue offering needed hope to the people of this land. Pray for God's ongoing protection over Pastor Pradeep and his family and that, despite this present time of persecution, they will remain steadfast in their faith and unwavering in their mission to spread the Gospel. Ask the Lord to work through the law enforcement officials and local authorities in bringing about more religious liberties on behalf of church communities. In addition, pray that Sri Lanka's faithful believers will continue to place their trust in God. May their faithfulness be rewarded and serve as a catalyst of spiritual revival across the nation.

INDONESIA: Churches Demolished Despite Attempts to Obtain Permits

Sources: Release International, Asia News, The Jakarta Post Tensions in Indonesia are on the rise, as opposition to churches seeking building permits continues mounting. After years of struggling to obtain a permit, upset Christians in the West Java province of Indonesia were forced to tearfully stand by and watch as a backhoe moved in to demolish their local church. On March 21st, the partially constructed Huria Kristen Batak Protestant Church in Taman Sari Village (Setu district) was completely levelled. Nearly 40 local government officials were behind this decision, claiming that the 13-year-old church had no building permit. Although representatives of the church have repeatedly applied for authorization, they were continually met with ongoing opposition in their predominantly Muslim neighbourhood. In an effort to defend their house of worship, the church's 600 members assembled outside the site earlier that morning to pray against the demolition order and plead with officials to reconsider. Unfortunately, the officials proceeded with the order to destroy the church building. While the pastor of the church, Torang Parulian Simanjuntak, intends to file a lawsuit for the illegal action, worship services will be taking place near the demolition site in the interim. Another incident occurred at the Damai Kristus Catholic Church in Tambora, West Jakarta, later that same week (March 23rd). Militant Muslim groups closed off the building for three hours, leaving dozens of congregation members confined inside and others locked out. Although instigators claim this church had no permit either, the application has been pending with officials since 1987. Although the country's constitution guarantees freedom of worship, the procedure for the construction of buildings in Indonesia is complicated and can take five to ten years for all the necessary documents to be obtained. The process is even more complex for Christian places of worship, since permission for the buildings must be met with approval from local residents and the group for Interreligious Dialogue. For an historical overview, please go to the Indonesia Country Report. Pray that through God's intervention, positive changes will be made regarding the processing of building permits, which are currently being denied to churches in these communities. May He also work mightily in the hearts of all who oppose His presence and conviction. Finally, ask that His peace would reign over all areas of conflict, so these believers will be able to worship Him freely in their homes and churches.

IRAN: Provocation of Anti-Christian Activity and Sentencing

Source: Mohabat News On March 7th, 28-year-old Ebrahim Firouzi was arrested by plain clothes officers on his way to work. As no one in the young man's family was notified of his arrest, there was great concern over his sudden disappearance. According to reports, the arrest of this young convert was the result of the government's anti-Christian media campaign to further suppress and pressurize new believers who have converted from Islam. Pray for Ebrahim who has just been transferred to Evin Prison, reputed as one of the country's most notorious prisons. May he sense the abiding presence of his Heavenly Father, whose unfailing love knows no bounds or limits. (Read about others who are imprisoned in Iran at the Iran Country Report.)


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