Authorities have arrested several men in connection with the murder and are continuing to investigate. Abdikhani is survived by his pregnant wife, as well as their five children who range in age from three to 12.
As Abdikhani's family mourns, pray that they will know and trust God as the "defender of widows" and a "Father to the fatherless" (Psalm 68:5). May other believers in Somalia not give in to fear in the face of this violence, but remain steadfast in their faith. Ask God to work in the lives of the two gunmen, softening their hearts so they will be receptive to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
For a short video with testimonies of Somali believers, as well as information on how VOMC provides safe refuge for endangered converts, visit our multimedia site at
www.persecution.tv/somalia-safe-houses. For more information on Somalia's persecuted church, please visit the
Somalia Country Report.
INDIA: Maimed Believer Acquitted of Blasphemy
Sources: Asia News, Global Council of Indian Christians
TJ Joseph, a Christian professor accused of blasphemy in 2010, was finally acquitted on November 15th. The accused professor was suspended from his job in March of 2010 after he included questions in a test that were deemed offensive to several of his Muslim students.
Several months later, a group of assailants attacked him on his way home from a church service, amputating his lower arm. Later that year, TJ was fired from his teaching position. Along with his recent acquittal, TJ has been offered the opportunity to return to his job by school authorities. (For more information on the 2010 attack, please visit
www.persecution.net/in-2010-07-08.htm.)
Thank the Lord for this answer to prayer! Pray that God will enable TJ to forgive those who so terribly attacked him, as well as the school authorities who fired him unjustly. Pray that TJ's ordeal and testimony will draw many to Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Please visit
www.persecution.net/india.htm to learn more about India's persecuted church.
IRAN: Detained Christian's Health Deteriorating
Source: Mohabat News
Vahid Hakkani, a Christian convert imprisoned for his faith in Adel-Abad prison in Shiraz, Iran, is facing critical health concerns. Vahid was initially tried in October 2012, along with several other Christians. In October 2013, an appeals court upheld their sentences of three years and eight months in prison. (For more information on the arrest of these believers, go to
www.persecution.net/ir-2012-10-18.htm.)
According to sources, Vahid's health is worsening every day. In addition to bleeding internally, he has lost a considerable amount of weight. Despite these serious health concerns, the judge initially would not allow Vahid to receive complete treatment in a hospital outside the prison because his final verdict had not yet been issued.
Eventually the judge agreed to grant him a two-month leave to undergo surgery. However, to receive care in the hospital, Vahid was forced to post a hefty bail. Additionally, the court official stated that his leave period will not count towards his prison sentence, and that extra time in jail will be required to make up for the duration of his stay in hospital.
Pray that God will bless Vahid during this difficult time, as well as sustain his friends and fellow believers who are caring for him. Ask the Lord to move in the hearts of the authorities, so they may look with favour on Vahid and provide him the care he so desperately needs. Pray that throughout this difficult trial, Vahid will entrust his life completely to his Heavenly Father..
To share your prayers for Vahid, TJ or Abdikhani's grieving loved ones, please visit our
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
