On Christmas Eve, three congregations in the south of the country were attacked. The pastor of one church in Angunukolapalassa, Hambanthota District, was surrounded by over 300 villagers and Buddhist monks who demanded that he stop all worship services planned for Christmas Day. The same night, unidentified assailants threw firecrackers into a church compound and the adjoining pastor's residence in Hikkaduwa, Galle District. Another church was targeted in the same village by attackers who hurled stones at the building, shattering several windows.
Several days later, on December 27th, approximately 200 protesters demanded that construction halt on a church building in Buttala, Monaragala District. Although the police and some authorities intervened, the situation remained tense and, at last report, the construction had been temporarily suspended.
On January 12th, two churches were attacked in Hikkaduwa (the same location as two of the three Christmas Eve attacks). A mob of approximately 300 people stormed the two churches, throwing stones at the buildings. Christian literature, musical instruments and other goods were also set on fire or destroyed. Among the protestors were Buddhist monks who claimed that the Christian presence in the area was illegal. The same day, in Pitipana, Colombo District, a home where believers gathered for prayer was set ablaze during the early hours of the morning, and a threatening note was hung on the church's gate. The fire was fortunately doused before serious damage took place.
As attacks increase in Sri Lanka, pray that God's peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard the hearts and minds of our brothers and sisters in Christ (Philippians 4:7). May Christians in this nation not resort to violence, but rather exemplify Christ's love and forgiveness to their attackers. Thank God for shielding His children from serious harm, asking for His continued protection from the advances of the enemy. Pray, too, that He will grant wisdom to the police and other authorities in this country so that they may work for justice and peace for all citizens.
To learn more about the trials our Christian family faces in Sri Lanka, please visit our
Sri Lanka Country Report.
EGYPT: Shot Christian Refused Medical Treatment
Sources: World Watch Monitor, VOM Australia
Ihab Ghattas, 23, was shot outside Mar Girgis (St. George's) Church in the Ain Shams area of Cairo. Ihab, along with some other young people, had reportedly joined police in defending their church from members of the Muslim Brotherhood, a militant Islamist group, who were protesting outside the building at the time. Ihab was then reportedly shot by one of the protestors.
In a statement released on New Year's Day, the Maspero Youth Union (MYU), a Coptic activist group, claimed that Ihab died because of "negligence" on the part of the several hospitals that refused to treat him. Ihab was reportedly denied access to one hospital because it was deemed not to be an emergency and another due to a lack of beds. The third hospital refused to treat him due to the absence of an intensive care unit. A fourth hospital, St. Peter's in Heliopolis, admitted him, but Ihab died soon afterwards. According to the MYU, Ihab had, by this stage, been "bleeding for three hours." The group has called for an investigation.
Pray that God will comfort the family and friends of Ihab, and that they may rely even more on Him during their time of grief. Ask the Lord to grant wisdom and benevolence to Egyptian authorities so that they may do all they can to protect persecuted minorities. During this time of unrest in Egypt, may He also strengthen and grow His church.
To share your prayers for Ihab's grieving family and friends, please visit our
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
NIGERIA: More than 30 Killed in Attack on Christian Village
Sources: Morning Star News, BBC, Associated Press
More than 30 believers were killed on January 6th when hundreds of Fulani Muslim herdsmen, armed with guns and machetes, stormed Shonong village in Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State. According to local Christians, the soldiers stationed at the village to protect the believers joined the herdsmen in the assault.
"I was shot by soldiers I ran to for protection. We were all trapped in the village as there was no way of escape for us. We ran to the premises of the church, and some soldiers followed us there. They were shooting and the herdsmen were shooting too. It was chaos and confusion everywhere," one survivor shared.
Dozens of homes were set on fire, and the cattle belonging to the villagers were killed or stolen. Approximately 15 believers were critically injured and, at last report, were receiving care at a Christian hospital. Of those killed, many were women and children.
As our Christian family in Nigeria face relentless attacks and trials, may they rest in the knowledge that the Good Shepherd is walking closely with them through this difficult time (Psalm 23). Intercede on behalf of those who are mourning. May they cling to the promise that their loved ones are now experiencing life to the fullest in heaven. Pray that God will work mightily in the lives of those who perpetrated this attack, drawing them into relationship with His Son Jesus.
The February edition of The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter will share more information about the perilous situation facing Christians in Nigeria. To sign up to receive your free copy, please
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