Indian Christians arrested in Saudi Arabia

(Source: International Christian Concern) Two Indian Christian men working in the state of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were recently arrested and sentenced to 45 days in prison. At approximately 8:30 p.m. on March 11, Vasantha Sekhar and Nese Yohan were beaten and arrested in the city of Batha on accusations of "proselytizing." Their apartment was ransacked after they were imprisoned, and local Christians believe they were arrested to keep them from practicing Christianity privately in their home. An employer has returned the passport of one of the Christians, making it clear that his job is no longer available, and he will be expelled. The other Christian awaits information regarding his legal status and job.

---

Pray that these believers will be released. Pray that they will testify to the love and truth of the Lord in prison. Ask God to give all Christians ministering in Saudi Arabia grace, wisdom and endurance as they serve Him (1 Peter 5:10). You can learn more about the opposition facing Christians in Saudi Arabia at the Saudi Arabia Country Report.

Convert from Islam escapes Egypt with daughter

(Source: Compass Direct) An Egyptian father and daughter who have been in hiding for two-and-a-half years after converting from Islam to Christianity (click here for more) recently fled the country. In February, Maher El-Gohary (58) and his daughter, Dina Mo'otahssem (17), flew from Cairo to Syria. After contact with a U.S. organization that concentrates on religious freedom, El-Gohary expected he would quickly be able to obtain a visa to the United States, where his wife lives. He tried for over a week, however, and was not able to make any headway. He then went to a U.N. office in Syria seeking assistance, and an appointment was scheduled for late April at last report. Although El-Gohary and Dina do not live under the same type of threats as they did in Egypt, they still spend much of their time trapped between the four walls of their apartment because Syria is a country where converts to Christianity from Islam are persecuted. They are also struggling for basic necessities due to El-Gohary's lack of income. "I feel like we've stepped out of a prison cell and into a fire," El-Gohary said. Even in this time of struggle, he acknowledges God's enduring care. "Without God's love, we would have been dead by now," he said. Thank the Lord for the ways in which he has provided for El-Gohary and Dina. Pray that they will continue to rely on His strength and not on their own (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). Pray all Egyptian converts from Islam will be bold and wise witnesses for Christ. You can learn more about the opposition facing Egyptian believers at the Egypt Country Report.

Update: Imprisoned Chinese Christian released

(Sources: China Aid, Christian Broadcasting Network) Shi Weihan, a Christian bookstore owner and house church leader, has been released from prison nearly three years after his arrest for "illegally" printing and distributing Christian literature (click here to read the story). Weihan, who was first arrested in November 2007, was reportedly released on February 9. He is said to be in "stable condition both mentally and physically." At last report, he was at home with his wife and two children, but government officials were closely monitoring his activities. Thank the Lord for Shi Weihan's release! Ask God to give him peace and strength as he adjusts to life outside prison walls. Pray that he and his family will continue to look to the Lord, rejoicing in His love and care. Pray that other imprisoned Chinese Christians will also be released and reunited with their loved ones. Find out more about the persecution of Christians in China at the China Country Report.

Update: Court cases continue for several Turkish Christians

(Source: Middle East Concern) Turkish Christians are requesting prayer in response to three long-standing court cases involving injustice against Turkish believers. There continue to be complications in the ongoing trial of the five men charged with the vicious murder of three believers at a Bible-publishing house in Malatya in April 2007 (click here for more) as a result of efforts to identify those behind the five suspects. The trial has been underway since November 2007. On March 17, twenty people suspected of being involved in the slayings of the three Christian men, Necati Aydin, Ugur Yuksel and Tilmann Geske, were arrested. The arrests were seen as a victory for the victims' family members. In another recent development, however, a chairman of the judges' panel was taken off the case after being promoted to a higher court, and it is feared that the introduction of a new judge could cause further delays in the complex trial. The next hearing is scheduled for April 29. In another ongoing case, Hakan and Turan Topal, two Christians accused of insulting Turkey and its people by spreading Christianity, continue to wait after appealing a conviction and fine for supposedly collecting data illegally. The men were cleared of other serious charges in October 2010, but given a hefty fine of 4,500 lira (approximately $3,200 CAD) (click here for more). The current case relates to their work with a Bible research centre providing correspondence courses. Finally, a ruling has reportedly been given in a land ownership case, against the St. Gabriel Monastery in eastern Turkey, which began in 2009. In January, the Supreme Court ruled against the monastery, thereby assigning ownership of some land within its long-standing boundary wall to the Turkish Treasury. The ruling followed several postponements, and the case is but one of five on-going cases involving the monastery. Pray that family members and friends of the three men killed in Malatya will continue to know the peace of Jesus as the trial process continues. Pray that all those who aided or perpetrated the murders will have a deep conviction about what they have done, and understand the depths of Jesus' forgiveness. Pray that Hakan and Turan will be acquitted. Pray that the true ownership of land surrounding St. Gabriel Monastery will be accurately identified. Pray that Turkish Christians facing opposition will know the Spirit's enabling, equipping and assisting as they persevere in their efforts to share the gospel. Find out more on the trials facing Christians in Turkey at the Turkey Country Report.

VOM's Persecuted Church Conference in Ontario this weekend

This Saturday, March 26, join with believers from across Canada in remembering persecuted Christians around the world at VOM's Prayer Conference in Mississauga, Ontario. A special guest speaker will be Russell Stendal, a missionary to Colombia with courageous testimonies of Colombian believers who have shown resilient faith in the face of opposition. You will also hear how VOM Canada has been working alongside suffering believers for the past 40 years and how you can get involved in empowering, equipping and encouraging believers today. For full details on this exciting conference, go to our website at our VOMC Events page. We hope to see you there!

---