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Persecution and Prayer Alert, Voice of the Martyrs

SRI LANKA: Pastor's Family Attacked for Christian Activities



Sources: National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, Release International On the evening of February 16th, a mob of approximately 250 villagers led by 11 Buddhist monks stormed a pastor's property in Asgiriya, Kandy district, demanding that worship services at the site cease immediately. The monks belong to the hardline nationalist organization, "Bodu Bala Sena" (BBS), which means "Buddhist Strength Force."
The pastor, in response, explained to the mob that he has the right to religious freedom. However, the mob dragged the pastor and his wife from their home and physically assaulted them. The couple's 18-year-old daughter was also verbally abused. Afterwards, the General Secretary of the BBS gathered the villagers outside the pastor's house and warned them against such "traitors." He threatened the same treatment for any villager supporting Christian worship. Thank God for protecting this pastor and his family from serious harm. As they continue to serve their Saviour, pray that He will grant them courage in the face of very real risks. Ask that wisdom and strength be given to this pastor and other church leaders throughout Sri Lanka, as they often are targeted in acts of persecution. Please also remember the villagers and monks who launched this attack. May they hear the Good News and also come to faith in Jesus.

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For more information on Sri Lanka's persecuted church, visit our website.

TURKEY: Suspects in Murder Case Temporarily Released

Sources: World Watch Monitor, Middle East Concern Five murder suspects on trial for torturing and killing three Christians in Malatya were released on March 7th. The five are accused of the murders of Necati Aydin, Ugur Yuksel and Tilmann Geske at a Bible publishing house in April of 2007. (For more information on this case, click here.) Under a new judicial package passed by the country's parliament in February, the detention limit for suspects on trial who have not yet been convicted was reduced from ten to five years, resulting in the release of the suspects. To track the five men, the Justice Minister has announced that four of the suspects will be electronically tagged, and the fifth monitored using different technology, as the tagging system will not work in the area where his family lives. Susanne Geske, widow of the German victim Tilmann Geske, admitted that "the thought of meeting one of these men downtown, or at the mall" was something she and her children still living in Malatya would "have to get used to." "We're fine, and my kids are doing well," she continued. "Some in our church here are really upset. But God can do miracles.... And we will keep on loving our enemies." In the midst of this unsettling news, pray that the families and friends of the murdered Christians will know the peace and very near presence of Jesus. Pray that, like Susanne, they will continue to love their enemies and pray for their persecutors (Matthew 5:44). Lift up the judges, lawyers and other judicial authorities before our Lord, asking Him to grant them wisdom and favour. May the guilty be brought to justice, and may they also come to a saving faith through Jesus Christ. To learn more about our persecuted brothers and sisters in Turkey, go to the Turkey Country Report.

RECENT PRISONER UPDATE

PAKISTAN: Asia Bibi's Appeal Hearing Postponed

Sources: Asia News, Release International The appeal hearing for Asia Bibi, a Christian woman imprisoned for blasphemy, has been postponed "to a later date." Asia was arrested in 2009 on charges of insulting Mohammed and later sentenced to death. Since then, she has been waiting for her appeal to be heard while being held in isolation at the women's prison in Sheikhupura (Punjab). (For more on Asia's case, click here.) Initially scheduled for March 17th, Asia's first hearing was cancelled due to the absence of one of the two presiding judges. Under Pakistani law, two judges have to be present in death penalty cases for the entire trial. The high-profile case remains hugely controversial in Pakistan. The former Governor of Punjab, Salmaan Taseer, was killed by his bodyguard in January of 2011 after showing support for Asia. Then, two months later, Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian, was assassinated after voicing support for Asia and demanding reform of the country's blasphemy laws. Shahbaz's brother is now facing death threats. (For more on these threats, click here.) Late last year, Pakistan's Federal Sharia Court demanded that blasphemy should carry a mandatory death sentence. After this disappointing setback, pray that the Lord will continue to sustain Asia and her loved ones as they await the appeal hearing. May the judges and other authorities pursue justice, and may they also be protected from those who wish them harm as a result. Ask God to use this case for His good purposes, transforming the hearts and lives of those who do not yet know Him and encouraging believers to be courageous in their faith. To share your prayers for Asia and her family, please visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.


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