(Source: ChinaAid)
Authorities in China recently raided two church-organized summer camps for children.
Two house churches in Jiangxi province jointly held a church summer camp for elementary school students between June 2 and 7. On June 6, officers and officials from the police station, the public security bureau, the religious affairs bureau, and some primary and secondary school principals converged on the classroom, recording the names of everyone present and confiscating a computer and projector. Three teachers were taken for questioning on the grounds that non-local residents are not allowed to come and evangelize, and officials stressed that children may not become religious believers. They ordered the church to stop hosting classes and said since the church was not registered it was not legal. As a result of international pressure, authorities have since returned the confiscated property and the church has been able to resume meeting normally.
In early July, police in the far western region of Xinjiang raided a house church Sunday school, rounded up 70 children and their teachers for questioning, and locked up seven teachers in a local detention centre. Some of the children's parents and school principals and teachers were also summoned and questioned.
Please pray that children who hear the gospel message through church-organized camps will take the life-saving message home to their families and communities. Pray that God will strengthen young believers to follow in the example that has been passed down to them by their leaders (1 Corinthians 4:9-14, 16). Please pray that God will work in the hearts of officials involved in the raids, leading them to know His Son.
Go to the
China Country Report for more on the suffering Church in China.
Christians charged in Uzbekistan
(Source: Forum 18 News Service)
A Baptist believer in Uzbekistan, who was charged with illegally teaching religion, faces up to three years in prison.
Yelena Kim's home church was raided by about a dozen police and government officials in April during a Sunday service. Officers drew up a record of an offence against Yelena even though she was not present when the raid occurred. She has been accused of violating the procedure for teaching religious doctrine, a charge which carries a maximum three year prison term. Officials also drew up records against her husband, Eduard Kim, and church member Losif Skaev. The Kims had received fines in previous cases against them for similar allegations.
Officers returned to the church in June with a search warrant and ordered church members to leave while they searched the premises, seizing printed materials, music, disks, a photocopier and Bibles. Church members, meanwhile, gathered outside to pray and sing. Officers also threatened to bring charges against the worshippers and filmed them. Losif's home was also searched and 150 Bibles were confiscated along with some of his personal property and his passport.
Please pray that Yelena will be acquitted and that the persecution of this house church will cease. Pray that the property that was seized will be returned and that the Bibles will be put into the hands of those hungry for God's Word. Pray that this church's passion for Christ will be the light that draws others to Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16).
To learn more about the suffering Church in Uzbekistan, please visit the
Uzbekistan Country Report.
Update: Grave concerns for health of Iranian prisoner
(Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide)
There are serious concerns for the health of Behnam Irani, an Iranian Christian who was convicted in January 2011 of crimes against national security (for more,
click here).
Behnam reportedly lost consciousness for several days recently, and although he has now regained consciousness, his health is said to be declining steadily as a result of the harsh treatment he has endured in Karaj's Ghezel Hesar Prison.
Ghezal Hesar is one of Iran's most notorious prisons. Behnam has reportedly been beaten regularly by his cell mates and prison authorities. As a result of injuries sustained during these assaults, he has difficulty walking. His health has further deteriorated due to the harsh prison conditions. He has suffered severe bleeding as a result of ulcers and complications with his colon, which led to his recent loss of consciousness. He is also unable to see very well and there are growing concerns that he could pass away within the next few months.
Pray that God will strengthen and heal Behnam. Pray that prison authorities will look with compassion on Behnam and provide him the medical care he needs. Pray that God will bring verses of Scripture to mind that will comfort Behnam and his family during this time (Psalm 119:49-56). Pray that Behnam's testimony will cause many in prison to come to know Jesus Christ.
For more on Iran's persecuted Church, please visit the
Iran Country Report. To post a prayer for Behnam and his family, please visit our
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
Sudan's president plans Islamic constitution
(Source: Barnabas Fund)
Sudan's president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, has proclaimed the country's next constitution will be "100% Islamic" to set an example for neighbouring countries. The President's formal statement on July 7 comes amid significant shifts in North African countries where Islamist parties are gaining influence and positions of power.
He said, "We want to present a constitution that serves as a template to those around us. And our template is clear, a 100% Islamic constitution, without communism or secularism or Western ."
Shariah, or Islamic law, is already in force in Sudan, which is 98% Muslim, but the president seems intent on formalizing its authority and enforcing it more strictly, making the position of the Christian minority increasingly vulnerable following the secession of the largely Christian South Sudan last year (for more,
click here).
Please pray that al-Bashir's plans will be thwarted and that Christians in Sudan will be able to worship Jesus Christ in freedom. Pray that Christians in Sudan and South Sudan will be faithful to God, despite opposition. Pray that the Lord will make Sudanese Christians strong to lovingly and boldly proclaim the gospel (Ephesians 6:18-20).
For more information on the trials Christians face in Sudan, go to the
Sudan Country Report.
