Source: Mohabat News
A member of Afghanistan's parliament has stated that, according to Sharia Law, all who have converted from Islam to Christianity should be executed in order to stop the rapid growth of Christianity among Afghans...both within the country and beyond it. The Afghani MP, Nazir Ahmad Hanafi, stated in a published report (Ava): "Numerous Afghanis have become Christians in India. This is an offence to Islamic Laws and, according to the Quran, they need to be executed."
Islamic leaders of Afghanistan consider the growth of Christianity to be a threat. Reportedly, some Afghani Islamic clerics have warned their government against the influence of Christianity in the country. The Islamic Council of Afghanistan has notified President Karzai regarding Christian aid workers and missionaries coming to Afghanistan, and the likelihood of more conversions taking place as a result. For previous reports and eye-opening video clips, click here.
Thank the Lord for the wonderful work of His Spirit in the hearts and minds of Afghani people around the world. May He continue to build His church according to Matthew 16:18 (the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it). While the building of His church is in process, ask for His divine protection to be upon all the humanitarian ministry workers throughout Afghanistan, multiplying and blessing their efforts to demonstrate His heart of compassion to the lost, broken and needy.
MOROCCO: Christian Convert Imprisoned for Evangelizing
Sources: World Watch Monitor, CBN
During a recent court hearing, a Moroccan Christian man was ordered to serve a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for evangelizing Muslims. On August 28th, police raided the home of 34-year-old Mohamed el Baldi, of Ain Aicha, confiscating his Bible and about 30 additional Christian books. Following the raid, Mohamed was arrested and interrogated by police. At the court hearing, he was sentenced to 30 months in prison and fined 5,000 dirhams (about $600) for "shaking the faith of a Muslim."
Having come from an Islamic background himself, Mohamed converted to Christianity approximately seven years ago. It was mentioned that his elderly mother behaved hysterically at the court hearing, pleading to Allah for vengeance on whoever "tampered" with her son's mind. While under pressure during the police interrogation, Mohamed disclosed the names of other Christian converts, as well as information on several missionaries who had attended secret Christian meetings in the cities of Maknes, Nador and Rabat.
This is not the first time the Moroccan Ministry of Interior has arrested, imprisoned or expelled Moroccans and foreigners for practising the Christian faith. In December of 2009, a series of government raids led to the arrests of numerous Moroccan Christians and the expulsion of five foreign missionaries. Article 220 of the Moroccan Penal Code is used to restrict Christians from propagating their faith. To learn more, click here.
Pray that Mohamed will be spiritually strengthened and encouraged while in prison. May the Holy Spirit also work in the lives of the judges and lawmakers associated with the Moroccan legislative and judicial systems, giving the officials a great awareness of His presence...so religious freedom and justice may be granted to the followers of Christ. Also pray for God's protection and blessing upon the fellowship of Christians in Morocco, including those believers who've recently had their identities exposed as a result of this case.
ERITREA: Unsuspecting Christians Arrested During Prayer Meeting
Sources: Open Doors, Mission Network News
On August 24th, Eritrean authorities arrested members of the Church of the Living God in Kushet, a village near the capital city of Asmara, as they met for evening prayer. Among the 30 arrested were 12 women. Although the circumstances of their arrest are not known, sources state that these believers are now under pressure to recant their faith during detainment.
Since the beginning of 2013, the religious atmosphere in Eritrea has deteriorated, with authorities arresting at least 261 Christians to date. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported that the government of Eritrea continues to incarcerate prisoners under terribly inhumane conditions. Governing officials are also denying access to international organizations wanting to investigate the state of prisons due to this great concern. To better understand the plight of these fellow believers, several informative reports are available here.
Despite the horrible conditions in which these imprisoned Christians in Eritrea are facing because of their faith, may they find unspeakable joy and immeasurable comfort in the Lord who has promised to be their Vindicator and Deliverer. Ask that He not only render justice on their behalf, but also speak to the hearts of those responsible for incarcerating His beloved people. May God also utilize the efforts of the international community of believers as they seek to intervene with wisdom and in accordance to His perfect will.
We invite you to share your prayers for these recently arrested Eritrean believers by posting on our prayer wall.
