Sources: World Watch Monitor, Vanguard, Release International
More than 150 people were killed recently in separate attacks on predominantly Christian villages. Late at night on March 14th, suspected Fulani militants armed with guns and machetes raided three villages -- Ugwar Sankwai, Ungwan Gata and Chenshyi -- in Kaduna state, killing at least 114 people. Many of the victims were burned alive. The casualties included a pastor's wife and her three children.
Two days later, militants suspected to be part of the group Boko Haram killed two people in Pela Birni village of Borno state. Two churches and many homes were also set on fire. "The gunmen invaded our village at about 10 o'clock in the evening on Sunday. They started shouting 'God is Great.' In some houses, they did not shoot at the residents but ordered them to vacate their houses and set them ablaze."
Pray that God will comfort and heal all those who are injured, traumatized or grieving as a result of this senseless violence. Ask Him to bring an end to these murderous attacks in Nigeria, and pray that those in authority will do more to stand against this injustice. Lift up both the Fulani and Boko Haram militants to our Lord, asking Him to work powerfully in their hearts that they may repent and follow Him.
To learn more about Nigeria's persecuted church, please visit our website.
TANZANIA: Bombings Launched Against Three Churches
Sources: Release International, Morning Star News, World Watch Monitor, World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission
Christians are said to be "shaken and afraid" after suspected Islamic militants launched attacks on churches in three different locations on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar last month. While Tanzania's population is 54 percent Christian, Zanzibar is more than 97 percent Muslim.
On February 15th, a homemade bomb was thrown at the door of a church building in the Tomondo area near Stone Town. Another bomb was launched at the building the next day. Thankfully, nobody was injured in these attacks.
Later that month, on February 23rd, a bomb exploded near the entrance to a church building in Kijito Upele-Fuoni, outside Zanzibar city, just before the end of a Sunday service. Several people suffered minor injuries. The following day, a device was detonated outside another church in Stone Town. A restaurant located in the tourist area was also targeted.
Attacks on believers have been rising in the area since 2010. Most of the assaults have been attributed to the Islamic political group UAMSHO (Association of Islamic Awareness and Public Discourse), which has been calling for the separation of Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania.
Ask God to fill the Christians in Zanzibar with His peace, praying that they will stand firm in their faith. Thank Him that no one was killed in the bomb blasts. Pray that the officials responding to this recent violence will be granted wisdom. May they commit to protecting all citizens, regardless of their faith. Pray that our Lord will continue His mighty work in Zanzibar, enabling His church to grow in both faithfulness and number.
To post a prayer of solidarity with our Christian family in Tanzania, visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
UZBEKISTAN: Christian's Home Raided; New Decree Increases Repression
Sources: Forum 18 News Service, VOM USA
On January 20th, Natalya Gaiyer had her home raided and several hundred Christian books confiscated by secret police working for the National Security Service (NSS) and Anti-Terrorism Department. Natalya, who lives in Tashkent and is a member of an officially registered Baptist church, was also ordered to pay a fine equal to about $130, at least three months' salary in Uzbekistan, for possessing the books.
Close surveillance of all religious communities by the NSS secret police is a standard part of the country's mechanism of repression. A week after the raid, on January 27th, a new censorship decree was established, stating that books and other materials encouraging individuals to change or "distort" their beliefs are now banned. As well, the decree imposes controls on the production, distribution and import of religious materials. With this new decree, authorities now have a "legal" basis for their strict restrictions.
Let us pray for this dear faithful Christian, asking God to provide for her material and spiritual needs at this time. May fellow believers from Natalya's church stand with her and bring much needed encouragement. Despite the increased restrictions, pray that the Christians of Uzbekistan will be resolute in their desire to share the "Good News" with their neighbours. Ask God to work in the lives of the country's authorities, so that they may respect religious freedom for all.
For more on the trials Christians face in Uzbekistan, go to the Uzbekistan Country Report.
