Tens of thousands have fled from Qaraqosh and surrounding areas, with many seeking refuge in Kurdish-controlled parts of the country. The militants now occupying Qaraqosh's churches have removed crosses and destroyed thousands of valuable manuscripts. "There are 100,000 displaced Christians who have fled with nothing but their clothes, some of them on foot, to reach the Kurdistan region," a Chaldean Patriarch explained. However, those who make it to Kurdistan often find themselves without shelter or even water in the blistering heat. Thousands of other minority groups have also been targeted by IS, including ethnic Yazidis.
Since their offensive attacks began in June, IS has ordered followers of Christianity residing in captured towns to either convert to Islam, pay a tax to remain in these communities as Christians, leave, or ultimately die. Unfortunately, believers apprehended by the militants have been ruthlessly attacked or killed. (For more information on the immense suffering many are facing in this country,
visit our website.)
In the midst of a seemingly hopeless situation, pray that our Lord will bring deliverance and comfort to the many thousands who are now displaced. May all who are mourning the tragic loss of loved ones, and those traumatized by the terror of IS, be filled with Christ's peace and grace. Pray for wisdom for concerned world leaders as they discern how best to respond to IS and the overwhelming suffering that's taking place. May God also lead and direct church leaders in the country during this difficult time, giving them the daily strength needed to shepherd those in their spiritual care.
To post a prayer of support for our Christian family members in Iraq who have suffered greatly from these atrocities, please visit our
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall. You can also help these persecuted believers by joining VOMC in providing emergency relief and medical aid through the ministry's Relief and Development Fund. For more information or to make a donation,
visit our website or contact our office at 1-888-298-6423.
RECENT PRISONER UPDATES
NEPAL: Pastor Released from Detention
Source: VOM USA
After receiving a 12-year prison sentence, a pastor in a remote part of Nepal was released from detention on July 17th. Pastor Chhedar Bhote Lhomi, 37, who ministered among the Tibetan people and established a church that met regularly, was handed the lengthy prison sentence for eating beef. Although he served in an area of Nepal where this practice is permissible, in other areas of the country local Hindus do not eat beef because cattle and oxen are considered sacred.
In October of 2012, local villagers discovered that Pastor Chhedar and his family had consumed this "forbidden meat." In an uproar, they accused him of killing the "sacred" animal himself, justifying the destruction of his home and everything he owned. The angered locals then handed the pastor over to a Hindu committee that got the police involved and prompted his arrest. While Pastor Chhedar was detained, his family struggled without him. Adding to the couple's heartache, their three children -- ages ten, eight and seven -- were teased and mocked by their peers. Thankfully, a court recently declared Pastor Chhedar not guilty of the charge.
Thank the Lord for this marvellous answer to prayer! Pray that this faithful servant of God and his family will fully recover from the difficult trials they have faced within the past two years. As this pastor experiences freedom once more, may new doors of ministry opportunity open up for him and his family. Ask that any discouragement or obstacles they may potentially face going forward be turned into joy as they serve wherever the Lord calls them. Please also pray that the hearts of the Tibetan people who live in this area of Nepal will be receptive to the Gospel, accepting with joy the wonderful salvation of Jesus Christ.
To learn more about the persecuted church in Nepal, please
visit our website.
SUDAN: Continued Prayers for Religious Freedom
Sources: VOM Australia, Morning Star News, The Telegraph
Meriam Ibrahim, the courageous woman who refused to deny her Christian faith -- even at the risk of execution -- finally arrived in the United States with her family on July 31st. It was reported in one of VOMC's previous prayer alerts that Meriam, her husband Daniel, and their two children had left Sudan for Italy on July 24th after negotiations had been made between the two countries. The family has now settled in New Hampshire, where extended family members are willing to assist them in the rebuilding of their lives. (For more information on Meriam and her family, you can read
this past prayer alert.)
Meanwhile, Faiza Abdalla, 37, a Christian woman arrested in Sudan on April 2nd under similar circumstances, remains in prison due to accusations of adultery for marrying a South Sudanese Christian and apostasy because of her Muslim name. Faiza was arrested after Immigration/Citizenship officials questioned her right to a Christian identity on the grounds that Abdalla is a Muslim name. On April 8th, a court annulled Faiza's marriage to a South Sudanese believer who fled the country two years ago because of persecution. The Christian woman's parents converted before she was born, meaning they too might be accused of apostasy.
First, let us give praise to God that Meriam and her family have safely arrived in the United States! May He continue to grant them healing and direction as they rebuild their lives. May He also use this family's incredible testimony for the building of His Kingdom, especially as they now utilize their newfound freedoms as a means of expressing their gratitude for His faithfulness and deliverance. At the same time, please remember in prayer those who remain wrongfully detained in Sudan for their Christian faith, including Faiza. Ask God to supernaturally protect her while in detention, making a way for her to be released. Please also pray that the Sudanese officials will respect religious freedom for all citizens, so that believers like Faiza and her family will cease to be persecuted for their deeply held beliefs and convictions.
To learn more on how you can support and encourage Christians who are imprisoned for their faith around the world, please visit VOM's letter-writing website at
www.PrisonerAlert.com.
