The revolution began when several rebel groups, discontented with the government of President Francois Bozizé, joined forces in December under the banner of Séléka. Within weeks, the rebels had seized much of the north, northeast and central regions of this impoverished French-speaking African nation. Since the Séléka militants' destructive rampage across the country, it's become evident that they are aggressively targeting the Christian population.
According to Msgr. Juan José Aguirre Muños, Bishop of Bangassou, "They respected only mosques and Muslim traders, to whom they gave our goods to sell." Sources in Bambari added that the militants attacked a Baptist church, burning its benches as firewood. "Their presence is fuelling serious tension between local Christians and Muslims," states Father Leo Tibenda, a Catholic priest who has been called to missionary service in Africa.
May our Almighty God, during this difficult time of political/religious uprising, provide protection over the many innocent and vulnerable inhabitants of the Central African Republic. While petitioning in prayer that He would bring a swift end to the country's conflict, let us also ask for His strength to be granted to the persecuted, comfort to those living in fear, and peace to those being tormented.
CHINA: Officials Raid Xinjiang Christians
Sources: Release International, China Aid
After a violent armed raid on their house church, Christians in remote Xinjiang province have been interrogated on suspicion of being a religious cult. One of the leaders remains in detention since the day police, armed with guns and electric batons, ransacked her home and seized property.
On March 15th, a total of 21 Public Security Bureau officials visited Sister Xu's house church located in Qimo County, Kurla City (northwest China), while she was holding a prayer meeting. When the 14 assembled Christians did not answer the door, the officials left without incident. However, later on that evening, after the visiting church members had departed, the police arrived back to the meeting location. In addition to confiscating property, they took fingerprints and blood samples from Xu, her son and husband. All three were taken to the local police station for written statements. Xu's husband, having claimed that he was not a Christian, was released along with their son.
Another one of the house church leaders, Brother Shen, who happened to be summoned and interrogated separately on March 18th, was released within three hours of suffering a heart-related episode triggered by police interrogation. The third leader, Sister Cao, was able to avoid arrest and detainment by fleeing from the area. To learn more about what Christians are facing in China, go to the
China Country Report.
Pray that God will strengthen and comfort Sister Xu, and all the members of the Qimo County house church. May He fill them with the reassuring presence of His Holy Spirit, granting them the courage to withstand this trial and the empowerment to overcome it. Ask Him to also touch the hearts of the officials conducting the investigation. May every aspect of this situation work out favourably for these believers, including an imminent release of Sister Xu and complete healing of Brother Shen.
SIERRA LEONE: Armed Thieves Attack VOM Worker
Source: VOM Contacts
During the last week of March, thieves entered the compound of a VOM partner in Sierra Leone, attacking him in the process. "They were well armed and could have harmed me if I made an attempt to stop them," he testifies. While the robbery was taking place, the assailants stole the battery from his car and the home's generator. "Please keep our family in your prayers," he asks. "I have made up my mind to remain a preacher and follower of Christ, and nothing will change this."
Police have promised to investigate the incident involving this victimized Christian worker further. However, like several other nations in Africa, Sierra Leone is under growing pressure from militants who seek to Islamize the country. As a result, incidents of persecution and victimization against Christians continue to increase.
May the Lord continue to strengthen Sierra Leone's believers in Jesus' powerful name, working on their behalf, especially in cases of injustice and victimization. In response to this Christian worker's request, please pray for his family's safety and protection over all that concerns them as they faithfully minister to others in their community. In keeping with Ephesians 6:10-11, let's pray that they be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might...putting on the whole armour of God that they may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
PAKISTAN: Younis Masih Granted Blasphemy Appeal!
Source: Release International
The VOM ministry team is pleased to announce the good news that Younis Masih has just been released by the High Court in Lahore. (His release took place on April 3rd). The father of four, who suffered a serious heart attack this past January while in custody, has been imprisoned since November 2005. Please pray for God's perfect peace and ongoing protection of Younis and his reunited family as they rebuild their lives together. We can also thank the Lord for the courage of the High Court judges who resisted pressure from all those in opposition, ensuring that justice was done. May His blessings be upon them as well for upholding the truth in the court of law. For a past report on this believer's case, review
this story.
