It was also reported that militants have recently embarked upon an "Islamization campaign" in Gwoza (also located in Borno state). In this situation, residents were threatened by gunmen who were going from door to door, demanding that the family members within each household profess allegiance to Islam at gunpoint.
On April 19th, just prior to these violent acts of persecution, intensive warfare was raging in the far north of Borno between the military and the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram. At least 185 people have died and up to 2,000 homes were destroyed due to this violent conflict which took place in the remote town of Baga (near the Chad border). The aim of Boko Haram is to create an Islamic state across northern Nigeria. For an overview of the country's situation, previous prayer alerts, and on-location video clips, go to the
Nigeria Country Report.
Pray for God's peace and healing upon all the traumatized victims of these violent attacks, and for His comforting presence to be with those experiencing loss. May each of these surviving victims draw near to Him, knowing that He is their 'mighty rock and refuge' in times of trouble (Psalm 62:7). Also ask that He will bless the efforts of the Christian workers commissioned by Him to serve tirelessly in communities affected by the violence, sustaining and strengthening these faithful servants as they seek to bring His hope and restoration.
CHINA: Church Raids Lead to Arrests and Prison Sentences
Source: ChinaAid Association
On Saturday, April 20th, a well-known U.S. church leader, Dennis Balcombe, was held by police under house arrest following a raid on a house church revival meeting in the Chinese city of Nanyang (Henan province). The raid took place at about 10:00 a.m., after the commencement of what had originally been planned as a three-day revival meeting.
When the 70 attendees gathered that morning, they all handed over their cell phones to a designated person from the organizing church. This was a security precaution to prevent the phones from becoming tracking devices that would lead authorities to their meeting site. They then boarded a bus to the meeting venue at a retreat centre in the Wolong district of the city.
Not long after the meeting began, several dozen police, Domestic Security Protection (DSP) agents and Religious Affairs Bureau officials swarmed into the room. Without showing any identification, they began filming and photographing the event. The DSP agents then proceeded to finger print and palm print each person at the meeting. Every one of the attendees was interrogated (while a written record of the questioning was taken) and mandated to sign police documents.
"This latest wave of religious persecution shows that the situation for religious freedom in China continues to worsen," states ChinaAid founder and president Bob Fu. "We urge the Chinese authorities to immediately release Pastor Dennis Balcombe and his two coworkers from Hong Kong. The officers who abused their powers by raiding a peaceful prayer service should be held accountable."
Another incident of concern took place on April 1st in Pingdingshan (also within the province of Henan), where seven house church leaders were sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to 7 1/2 years on cult charges. More information about persecution in China can be found at the
China Country Report.
May these Chinese believers and their church leaders remain steadfastly committed to the Lord who has promised to be "an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). Pray that He will swiftly intervene, revealing His power and might not only to each of the believers personally, but also to their persecutors...so that many more names will be added to the Lamb's "Book of Life."
MALI: Christian Work Continues Amid Civil War
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs USA
Although Mali is being ravaged by civil war, VOM's ministry work continues to provide much-needed shelter and other important necessities to believers in the southern part of the country. Several safe houses in the region continue to shelter groups of Christian converts who were forced to flee their communities due to serious life-endangering threats made by members of their own Muslim families.
When they fled from Islamist militants in the north, most left their possessions behind, including their Bibles. Thanks to the compassionate response of ministry friends like you, VOM workers have been able to provide several of them with new Bibles. As a result, these believers are not only able to cultivate nearby farmland for physical sustenance, they are now also equipped with the spiritual tools required to grow in their faith through daily prayer times, group classes and individual Bible study.
Pray for God's continued provision and protection, as these believers seek to grow and become strengthened in their faith. As they do, may they cultivate a spirit of unity, love and faithfulness, providing a vibrant witness to others of His wonderful work in their lives and relationships. "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).
RECENT PRISONER UPDATE
PAKISTAN: Commencement of Blasphemy Trial
Source: Release International
Please continue to uphold Pakistani Christian Sawan Masih whose court trial was scheduled to begin on April 22nd. The roadsweeper from Lahore was charged following accusations made against him which reportedly prompted widespread rioting in the Joseph colony last month. (To read the previously posted prayer alert concerning this situation,
click here.)
Pray for protection and justice on behalf of Sawan, and all who are supporting him. May God grant wisdom and favour to those who are advocating bravely in his defense. Also remember to intercede for the many innocent members of this devastated Christian community whose homes have been completely demolished. Ask the Lord to work mightily on their behalf, bringing greatly needed healing, provision and restoration in their lives.
