Sources: International Christian Concern, Christianity Today
A report released by the Aurat Foundation claims that every year, more than 1,000 women from religious minority groups are forcibly converted to Islam. As in previously documented reports, this current one proves that the majority of these victimized young women and girls are Christians. In many cases, rape and forced marriages to Muslim men are used to trap them into contrived conversions. Forced marriages usually follow a similar pattern: the girls (often between the ages of 12 and 25) are abducted, made to convert to Islam, and then married to the abductor or an associate.
Women in Pakistan face significant discrimination, particularly on a religious basis. Each one who is forced to marry under such circumstances has often been threatened or pressured by their husband and his family to declare that their conversion was voluntary, even if the case is taken to court. Forced marriages and conversions are common in Pakistan, but largely ignored by police and civil authorities. For a video presentation on this topic of concern, please click here.
May the Lord bring much needed comfort and consolation to these abducted young women, drawing them into a closer and more meaningful relationship with Him. Despite them having to live in an environment that's strictly opposed to Christianity, may they be renewed spiritually, physically and emotionally through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Ask that their families also be greatly comforted, knowing that God is able to keep that which they have committed to Him (2 Timothy 1:12). Pray that the international community will intervene by conducting thorough and accurate investigations of these heinous acts against vulnerable women and girls, serving as a catalyst in ultimately stopping the assailants and preventing the onset of similar crimes.
We invite you to join along with others who share this concern for our persecuted Christian family worldwide by posting your heartfelt petitions to the Lord on VOMC's prayer wall.
UZBEKISTAN: Illicit Means Used to Wrongfully Charge Pastor
Source: Forum 18 News
Police in Dostabod, near the capital of Tashkent, have pressured five orphans to write scathing reports against Pastor Sergei Rychagov of Grace Presbyterian Church. With permission from the head teacher of their boarding school, the youths had spent their Saturdays at a private house next to the church where they ate meals and worked on the grounds. On Sundays, they attended church services.
Based on statements written by the youths in late 2014, Police Captain Mirjasur Anvarov has pressed charges against Pastor Sergei. Judge Khakim Malikov ruled that the church leader had violated four grounds in the Code of Administrative Offences, including violating the procedure for holding religious meetings, carrying out unauthorized religious meetings, proselytizing, and teaching religious beliefs without specialized religious education and permission from central authority. Judge Malikov fined the pastor the equivalent of approximately $3,675 U.S.
Local Christians have claimed that, throughout the ordeal, the government has engaged in illegal practices and put forth dishonest charges. Although the court hearing took place on February 27th, the government failed to inform Pastor Sergei about it until June 22nd, inhibiting him from testifying on his own behalf. Furthermore, contrary to the government's claim, the pastor indeed has a religious education and his church is officially registered with Tashkent Region's Justice Department.
Please remember Pastor Sergei and his congregation in prayer. May they be encouraged to continually keep their eyes fixed on the Lord, who has promised to walk closely with them throughout this time of trial (Psalm 116:1). Pray that as they trust in Him -- their Counsellor, Mediator and Friend -- they will experience His wonderful reassurance and peace. In addition to God rendering justice in this situation -- resolving it in Pastor Sergei's favour -- let's also pray that the accusers will come to repentance and the acknowledgement of Jesus as their Saviour. Last, but not least, intercede on behalf of the orphans who were forced to write the accusatory statements, praying that they will experience the healing love of Jesus and His restoration in their lives.
MEXICO: 'In the Shadow of the Cross' Spanish Training Manual
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs Canada
VOM Canada is pleased to be partnering with The Voice of the Martyrs Mexico in the printing and distribution of new Spanish Christian training materials. In fact, this month began the nationwide distribution of a very special book, Estando en la Sombra de la Cruz. (A total of 10,000 copies have recently been printed of the first edition.) It's designed to be used as the basis of in-country training sessions that will be presented throughout Mexico.
This simple yet condensed training manual has been based on the internationally recognized writings of VOM Canada's former CEO, the late Glenn Penner, whose foundational "theology of persecution" message was initially published in the book, In the Shadow of the Cross. The new Spanish edition of the manual includes several inspiring testimonies representing Christian persecution in the Mexican state of Chiapas, practical encouragement for those experiencing tremendous challenges because of their faith, and a call for the Mexican church to remember the persecuted brothers and sisters of their country and around the world. (More about persecution in Mexico can be reviewed here.)
