Church leader brutally beaten by police in China

A house-church leader was brutally beaten this month by authorities attempting to prevent a Christian meeting in Shaanxi Province, China. On April 7, Pastor Wang Zhanhu and other members of the Cross Church in Huaxian were gathered for praise and worship when they were approached by three police officers. When the officers grabbed a microphone away from a female believer, Pastor Wang protested, saying, "How can you rob people's belongings like this?" The police then asked the pastor for his identification card, but he refused to provide it, saying that he had not broken any laws.

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One of the officers then started hitting the pastor's shoulders and the others soon joined in hitting him. They eventually shocked him with an electric baton, causing him to go into a coma. At last report, Pastor Wang had regained consciousness but was still being treated at a local hospital. Authorities have targeted Pastor Wang several times in recent years, raiding his home, threatening him and detaining him for 15 days for "criminal activity." Pray for healing for Pastor Wang. Pray that he will rest in the knowledge that the Good Shepherd is with him through his sufferings (Psalm 23). Pray that religious freedom will be respected throughout China. You can learn more about the trials facing Chinese Christians at the China Country Report.

Uzbek Christian assaulted, fined for distributing Bible

(Source: Forum 18 News) An Uzbek Christian was recently assaulted and fined in the capital city of Tashkent for giving a children's Bible to one of her work colleagues in 2010. On April 1, Galina Shemetova was leaving a hospital after medical treatment, for which she had been granted sick leave from her work at the local subway station, when she was accosted by a police officer. The officer struck her on the head and dragged her into a police vehicle. The same day, Galina was charged with "attracting believers of one confession to another (proselytism) and other missionary activity" and fined 50 times the minimum month salary in the country (approximately $1,400 CAD). The officer who assaulted Galina claimed that she was "hiding from police for one week pretending to be ill" and when asked what she had done wrong, said "she is a missionary and violated the law." Pray Galina will continue to be steadfast in her faith, trusting in God's provision and guidance (1 Peter 5:8-10). Pray Uzbek Christians facing similar trials will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in the faith and not grow weary or lose heart. Pray persecutors throughout Uzbekistan will be challenged by the consistent testimony of Christ's followers and be drawn to Him. To learn more about the persecution of Uzbek Christians, go to the Uzbekistan Country Report.

Pastor kidnapped in Mexico

(Source: Compass Direct) A pastor has been kidnapped by suspected drug traffickers in the city of Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico. At approximately 8:15 a.m. on April 10, a group of men armed with machine guns barged into the Christian Center El Shaddai where some 500 Christians were gathered for a worship service. The men fired guns into the air and grabbed Pastor Josué Ramírez Santiago. The following day, the pastor's family received news that the criminals wanted a ransom of 20 million pesos (approximately $1.6 million CAD). Even if the family could raise such an immense sum, it is unlikely that payment would secure the pastor's safe return. Local Christians have reported that organized crime syndicates and drug cartels often target Christians because they view churches as revenue centers. "Some 100 Mexican or foreign pastors who lived in Ciudad Juarez have had to abandon the city because of the threats and demands for money," said Arturo Farela, director of the National Fraternity of Evangelical Churches. He also noted that many pastors and their families had been victims of extortion, threats, kidnapping and homicide. Pray Pastor Josué will be released and safely returned home. Pray for protection for evangelical Christians suffering persecution. Pray for God's peace to reign in regions of Mexico currently embroiled in violence and crime. Pray God's people will be equipped and emboldened to serve their Lord faithfully, even amid great opposition. You can post a prayer for Pastor Josué on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall. You can find out more about believers serving Christ at great risk in Mexico at the Mexico Country Report.

Christians beaten and arrested in India

(Source: Compass Direct) Two Christian meetings were attacked by Hindu militants in India in recent weeks. On April 9, a mob of more than 100 attacked an open-air Christian worship meeting in Bhajanpura, East Delhi. The Christians had received permission from government officials to conduct the meeting, and five police officers were present. Shortly after the meeting began, militants armed with clubs and stones arrived on scene. They beat several Christians, including the pastor. The five policemen were also severely beaten. Two believers sustained head injuries. The militants destroyed furniture, a sound system, a generator and a Christian's vehicle. The attack lasted for about an hour before police reinforcements arrived and the attackers fled. At last report, two of the assailants had been arrested. On April 10, a pastor and other members of the New India Church in Mysore, Karnataka were attacked. Pastor Vinod Chacko was leading a prayer service when approximately 25 militants arrived on scene, accusing the believers of forcible conversion. They detained the worshippers inside the church building. The believers were asked to provide personal information and questioned about being lured to attend the service by the offer of money or other means. Police later charged Pastor Vinod, his wife, Asha, and three other Christians with "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings." Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray authorities will act justly and with integrity in reaction to these incidents. Pray Christians in India will continue to give themselves fully to the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Pray for an end to violence against followers of Christ in India. To learn more about the ongoing opposition of believers in India, go to the India Country Report.

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