BANGLADESH & THE HOLY LAND: Be a Blessing this Christmas!

Source: The Voice of the Martyrs Canada This year, VOMC is sharing the joy of Christ's birth with our persecuted family in Bangladesh and the Holy Land through our annual Christmas Blessing project.

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It is not easy to be a follower of Jesus in these two areas of the world. In Bangladesh, less than one percent of the population is Christian. Besides facing widespread poverty, Christians are also routinely harassed by the majority Muslim population. Despite its small size, the church in Bangladesh is growing and, therefore, greatly in need of trained pastoral leaders to guide and disciple those hungry for God's truth. In the Holy Land, Arab Christians are particularly at risk of opposition, especially those who come from a strict Muslim background. Likewise, many Messianic Jews face harassment from ultra-Orthodox members of their communities. As tensions in the Middle East intensify, many believers are leaving their homeland, making the situation even more discouraging for those who remain behind.

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To help meet both the physical and spiritual needs of our persecuted family in Bangladesh and the Holy Land, VOMC is working with in-country partners to distribute Christmas Blessing packages. These packages contain practical items, such as food and clothing, as well as Christian teaching materials to encourage spiritual growth. The ministry is also helping to host a series of local Christmas gatherings in Bethlehem and other locations in the West Bank. Please pray for God's anointing on the participating VOMC staff and in-country partners as the distribution of these "Christmas Blessing" packages takes place. May all who receive the packages be reminded of God's unfailing love that was clearly demonstrated with the arrival of His Son, Jesus, the Promised Messiah. Since Christmas can be an especially precarious time for many believers around the world, pray that God will shield them from the eyes of those who would otherwise do them harm. If you would like to join us in blessing our Christian family in Bangladesh and the Holy Land, you may do so by donating to the Christmas Blessing Fund. Please visit us online or contact our office at 1-888-298-6423.

PAKISTAN: Federal Court Calls for Mandatory Death Sentence for Blasphemy

Sources: Release International, The Voice of the Martyrs Australia An influential court in Pakistan is calling for a mandatory death sentence for blasphemy. If implemented, the decision could result in further attacks and accusations against the country's Christian minority. It could also lead to the execution of those who have been falsely accused of blasphemy. The order, which was passed by the Federal Sharia Court earlier this month, now awaits implementation by the country's president. At present, the majority of those convicted of blasphemy are serving a life sentence, even though the official penalty for defaming Islam's prophet Mohammed is death. The decision by the court would rule out jail sentences for those found guilty of blasphemy and mandate their execution. Accusations of blasphemy are often levelled against individuals as a way of taking revenge or settling scores. The accusation alone can result in assassination, even for those cleared of the charges. "This is grave news, not just for Christians convicted of blasphemy but also for the many who are falsely accused," explains Release International's Colin King, director of VOMC's sister mission in the United Kingdom. "Extremists may interpret the Sharia Court's ruling as further license to attack even those whose cases have not yet come to court." According to contacts, the court wants the order implemented "within a couple of months." If that happens, those convicted of blasphemy may not get the chance to appeal. Currently, many Christians convicted of this offense end up spending years in jail waiting for their appeal to be heard in court. Such believers include Asia Bibi, the first Christian woman to be sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy -- a charge she denies. (For more on Asia's case, please visit this page.) Pray that the Lord will intervene in this situation so that the proposed changes to the blasphemy law will not come about. Instead, may the authorities pursue justice, truth and benevolence for all citizens of Pakistan, including minorities. Ask the Lord to protect His dear children in Pakistan from accusations of blasphemy. Please also intercede for Asia Bibi and others like her who are spending yet another Christmas behind bars, separated from loved ones. May they look to the Lord for their deliverance and not lose heart. For more information on our persecuted family in Pakistan, please visit our Pakistan Country Report.

RECENT PRISONER UPDATE

IRAN: Two Christians Released from Prison

Sources: Mohabat News, The Voice of the Martyrs USA On December 4th, two Iranian believers -- Pastor Farhad Sabokrouh and Naser Zamen-Dezfuli -- were released from prison after being incarcerated for more than 200 days. The men were apprehended on December 23rd, 2011, after authorities raided a Christmas celebration held at their registered church and arrested all in attendance, including children. Several hours later, most were released except for Pastor Farhad, his wife Shahnaz Jayzan, Naser Zamen-Dezfuli, and another church member by the name of Davoud Alijani. The four were later released on bail. However, in October of 2012, they were each sentenced to one year in prison for "converting to Christianity, inviting Muslims to convert and acting against state security through evangelistic activities." These believers were summoned to court on May 1st, 2013, to begin serving their sentences. At last report, Davoud and Shahnaz remain in prison and it is unclear whether they will be released as well. Praise God for this answer to prayer! Pray that as Pastor Farhad and Naser recover from their ordeal, the Lord will grant them ongoing grace and strength. May He also protect them from further opposition. Pray, too, that their testimonies will demonstrate to unbelievers the love and faithfulness of our God. Remember Davoud and Shahnaz in your prayers as well. Whether imprisoned or free, may they remain steadfast in their faith and rejoice in the gift of our Saviour, Jesus, who has promised to never leave them or forsake them (Hebrews 13:5). To join with other Christians in prayer for these believers, please visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

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