The Christians who fled the attacks are now in need of food, mosquito nets, bed sheets, sleeping mats and medicine. Many have become ill because they weren't able to take their bedding or medications with them while fleeing the attacks. These persecuted Christians are currently unable to return to their villages because they fear the militant Muslims will kill them and burn down their homes. VOM has provided these suffering believers basic necessities such as food, mosquito nets, blankets and medicine. For more information on the difficulties facing persecuted Christians in the Philippines, go to the
Philippines Country Report.
Please pray that our brothers and sisters in this part of the world will continue to place their hope in the Lord and will be able to forgive their persecutors. May He provide for all their needs and, in time, let them know when it's safe to return to their homes. Pray that the perpetrators will come to know His love, forgiveness and blessing through the witness of these faithful Christians (Romans 1:16).
PAKISTAN: Family Pressured to Compromise Charges
Sources: Legal Evangelical Association Development, Assist News Service, Strategic World Impact
According to the Legal Evangelical Association Development (LEAD), a Christian relief and advocacy group, Fouzia Bibi of Village Roday (District of Kasur) was a victim of sexual assault. During the early evening of January 25th, 2013, 15-year-old Fouzia was bringing milk to the landlord from one of his nearby cattle areas. Along the way, two Muslims armed with pistols, Sher Muhammad and Shabir Ali, reportedly abducted and imprisoned her in a room. The alleged assailants then brutally raped and tortured her. No one could hear the cries of the victimized Christian girl who was left unconscious.
The girl's father, Malooka Masih, notified National Director LEAD Advocate Sardar Mushtaq Gill on May 24th that a bail hearing had been filed in Lahore's High Court for the alleged perpetrators. Prior to this, the victim's cousin, Alam Ashiq, was helping the Christian family throughout the ordeal. However, Fouzia's father was recently notified that those accused of the rape had enlisted law enforcement cooperation from the city of Muridkey. This has resulted in Alam being arrested for involvement in "a case" (details not known), which was registered against "unknown people" about six months ago. Using Alam as a lever, law enforcement officials are pressuring the family to compromise on the charges so that bail can be granted to the alleged rapists.
Representative Sardar Mushtaq Gill appeared before a deputy superintendent of police in Muridkey in an attempt to advocate for justice in the case. He said it is a common occurrence for complainants to be pressurized by a variety of different tactics, including making them allegedly involved in unspecified crimes with the intent of bringing about "compromise." Read about other cases of injustice at the
Pakistan Country Report.
First of all, let's lift up in prayer young Fouzia who has been violated and traumatized by the violent assault. May our compassionate Saviour minister greatly needed comfort and healing in her life. Also pray for Fouzia's devastated family who are not only concerned for her well-being but now also must contend with the injustice and manipulation of law enforcement officers. Ask for God's mighty intervention in the situation...granting wisdom to the family's legal representatives, favour with the court officials, dismissal of the false charges against Alam, required disciplinary measures for the perpetrators, and an extra measure of strength and spiritual encouragement for the entire family. (We invite you to share your prayers on our prayer wall.)
LAOS: Christian Families Face Expulsion for Their Faith
Source: Release International
Families in two villages have been asked to leave their homes and resettle elsewhere because they have turned to Christ. Village chief Keang Khean of north-central Laos has asked all Christians to leave immediately. Tensions are high in the village, which is located in the Chomphet district of Luang Prabang province. Meanwhile, three families in the village of Sanam have been given official notice that they should leave, after experiencing two years of persecution. The 18 members of the Ser, Taam and Thong families had their papers confiscated last year and still have not had them returned.
Prayer has also been requested for a house church in the Hom district of Vientiane province. The four families who founded this church came to Christ after a woman was healed of a serious illness in 2005 when a pastor prayed for her. The families had been attending a church which was a six-mile walk away, but decided to begin a house church in their own village, a congregation that has since grown to include 16 families. However, these believers have faced stiff opposition from others in the village, including accusations that their worship creates disharmony. On one occasion, a police officer threatened them with violence unless they recanted their faith. For more information on the suffering of Christians in Laos, go to the
Laos Country Report.
Thank God for the resilience and courage of these Christian families who are risking everything as they bear witness of God's love. May many others be drawn to Christ as a result. Pray for the officials who are demanding these believers to leave their villages...that they will realize how Christianity can serve to actually bring about positive changes to their communities, rather than discord.
