Chibok is the same area where hundreds of schoolgirls, many of them Christians, were abducted from their dormitory in April. More than 200 of these girls remain missing. (For more information on the kidnappings,
click here.)
After yet another attack on the church in Nigeria, pray that the believers there will continue to find their daily strength from our Lord. May they also look to Jesus for the willingness and ability to forgive and love their persecutors. Pray that God will grant healing and peace to those left injured and in mourning after this latest assault in the Chibok area. May governing authorities be swift to provide adequate security and justice to these believers and others throughout Nigeria. Also lift up the girls who remain missing, asking that they soon be released unharmed.
To post a prayer of love and support for these suffering believers, please visit our
online prayer wall.
LAOS: Christians Charged with Murder after Praying for Health Concern
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Morning Star News, Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom
A church leader and four other Christians in a village located within Savannakhet Province have been charged by authorities with murder after praying for a sick woman who later died. The deceased, who has only been identified by her surname, "Chan," had been ill for two years with an unknown condition. Various kinds of healers and doctors in her village of Saisomboon had treated her without success. However, when a church leader named Kaithong prayed for her, she became well for a short time. Chan and her eight grown children converted to Christianity in April. However, she suddenly passed away on June 21st, after which time her family began making arrangements for a Christian funeral.
Although the village chief originally granted permission for the funeral, on June 22nd, the chief and local police ordered the Christians to stop the funeral proceedings. Chan's children were also pressured to sign an affidavit recanting their faith. These new young believers refused, insisting that their mother be buried with a Christian funeral ceremony.
The following day, Kaithong appealed the case with the chief of Atsaphangthong district. However, the next afternoon, the police arrived at Chan's home, where grieving family and friends had been gathering, and arrested Kaithong. Four other Christians -- Puphet, Muk, Hasadee and Tiang -- were also apprehended. The village chief then arranged for some monks to conduct a Buddhist ceremony and burial.
The village chief and police also reportedly forced one of Chan's daughters to sign a statement claiming that Kaithong had given Chan medication, which they allege is the cause of her death. All five detainees have now been implicated in what the accusers say is murder; although, at last report, it is unclear whether or not they have been formally charged.
Please bring this heartbreaking case to the Lord, asking Him to intervene for these brothers and sisters in Christ who were wrongfully arrested and charged while grieving the sudden loss of their dear loved one. May the truth soon be revealed so that these believers can be released from detention and returned to their families. Also remember in prayer all those who are mourning the death of Chan. May they find comfort in knowing that she is now experiencing life to the fullest in heaven. Pray that her children will have the strength and determination to continue following Jesus and resist the pressure to recant. Finally, please also intercede on behalf of the authorities involved in this case, praying that they instead seek justice and truth for these falsely accused Christians.
Please visit the
Laos Country Report to learn more about the persecuted church in Laos.
RECENT PRISONER UPDATES
CHINA: Wrongly Accused Pastor Handed Lengthy Prison Sentence
Source: China Aid
Zhang Shaojie, the pastor of the Nanle County Christian Church, was sentenced on July 4th to 12 years in prison and also fined 100,000 yuan (approximately $17,000 CAD).
Pastor Zhang was detained in November of 2013 after he met with authorities in the church -- a meeting that turned out to be a set-up in order to detain the pastor. He was later charged with gathering a crowd to disrupt public order and fraud. Several other Christians were also apprehended at the time. Thankfully, three of these imprisoned believers were released in June; however, along with Pastor Zhang, five others remain behind bars. (For more information on their arrest, please
visit our website.)
Bob Fu, the president of China Aid, a VOMC partner, has blasted Pastor Shaojie's sentencing: "This verdict is totally unacceptable. The so-called core evidence was collected illegally based on a forced confession. Even the key witness...has been held in an unknown black jail. This case shows the Chinese government continues to cover up religious persecution with fabricated criminal charges against an innocent church leader."
Please pray that Pastor Zhang and his loved ones will be filled with God's peace despite this disappointing verdict, trusting that his life is safely in the Lord's hands. Even while detained unjustly, may this pastor serve as "salt" and "light" to fellow prisoners and prison guards (Matthew 5:13-16). Please also pray that this ruling will be overturned, and that Pastor Zhang will be free to return home to his family and congregation. While thanking God for the release of the three Christians, let us also continue to pray for the safety and release of those remaining in detention.
For more information on the suffering of China's persecuted church, visit our
online country report.
