"Violence is all around us. Today alone, there have been 15 suicide bombs. Yesterday, there were even car bombs in the safety of the Kurdish city of Erbil. In the past day alone, one bomb at a funeral killed 123 people. Most of what really happened has not even been on the news. Yesterday, I preached on the hope of the Second Coming. That is all we have to hold on to, for 'soon and very soon we are going to see the Lord.'
"It is so painful to have person after person come to me and say they have got to leave, including my son who has been with me since he was ten. With him leaving...I confess I thought, 'How on earth will I cope?' Then I remembered that (God) who has called me to this place will never fail me. As He remained with Daniel, so He will remain with me. You cannot leave those you love, and you cannot make those you love stay, when in reality you know how dangerous it is for them.... Thank you for standing with me in the midst of such pain. May God bless you much." To view a video clip featuring Canon White and other members of the church in Iraq,
click here.
What a consolation it is to know that God will never leave us nor forsake us, no matter what circumstances we may be facing. And how much more meaningful are His promises in times of great uncertainty and chaos. May Canon White and the remnant of believers there in Iraq be reminded that they are surrounded by God's mighty army of angels and, more importantly, His powerful presence. In addition to receiving the Lord's strength and encouragement, pray that they will also be given opportunities to minister His hope, provision and healing to the unsaved, needy, bereaved, hurting, fearful and despondent with the Good News of the Gospel.
KAZAKHSTAN: Deportation Due to "Illegal Missionary Activity"
Source: Forum 18 News Service
After authorities ordered that Baptist pastor Viktor Lim be deported from Kazakhstan, he was given no alternative but to forcibly leave in mid-August. Pastor Lim, a stateless person who lived in the country for 20 years prior to this ruling, was convicted for leading a registered religious community. (Incidentally, his wife and children are Kazakh citizens.) Authorities classify such action as "illegal missionary activity," which is punishable by fine and, in the case of a non-citizen, deportation.
Attempts to appeal the court order proved futile. "The appeal hearing lasted just ten minutes -- it was a pure formality," relates the disappointed pastor. Zhumagul Alimbekov, head of the Religious Affairs Department of Almaty Region, which lodged the suit against Pastor Lim, refused to discuss his deportation and the possibility of deporting yet another church leader, Russian Orthodox priest Father Sofrony. Learn more about the challenges facing servants of the Lord in Kazakhstan by going to the Kazakhstan Country Report.
Even though mere mortals may try to eradicate God from their lives and society, they will never successfully succeed at changing the fact that He alone is the Master Creator...the Almighty 'King of kings' and 'Lord of lords.' When He gloriously returns, all people -- of every tribe and nation -- will humbly bow down before Him. In the meantime, may His Holy Spirit continue to work mightily in lives, including those in Kazakhstan who are denying His existence by erroneously trying to evict Him from their country. Pray that their spiritual eyes and understanding will be opened to the reality of His existence and utmost supremacy.
PRISONER UPDATE
MOROCCO: Convert Tentatively Released from Prison
Source: International Christian Concern
Mohamed El Baladi was released from the Moroccan prison where he had been confined since his arrest in late August. However, the release has only been granted until his official appeal hearing, which is scheduled for October 10th. Mohamed was initially sentenced to two-and-a-half years' imprisonment for the crimes of evangelism and "shaking the faith of a Muslim." To review a previous report on this case, please
click here.
Without forewarning, Mohamed was summoned to a surprise hearing on September 26th. His family became aware of it when his sister went to visit him in prison and deliver groceries, only to be told that he was not available due to his presence in court. Later that afternoon, they received news of Mohamed's release and the scheduling of his upcoming appeal hearing.
As he spoke with family and friends, Mohamed confirmed that he faced severe abuse and pressure to recant his Christian faith and return to Islam. The police also attempted to force Mohamed to provide them the names of other believers, both Moroccan and foreigners, with whom he was connected. They also spread false rumours to incite other prisoners to further abuse him.
Based on reports from friends who have spoken with Mohamed, it is believed that his family was upset at his conversion to Christianity and had pressed for a harsher sentence to prompt him to renounce his faith.
Let us first give thanks to the Lord for answering our prayers on behalf of Mohamed. May this young believer be granted continual favour, resulting in a successful appeal. Pray that his legal representatives will be given wisdom and insight as they represent him. May the outcome of this case encourage the faith of the church throughout Morocco, resulting in increased boldness among fellow believers (Acts 5:29). Please also intercede for those in need of God's salvation, including Mohamed's own family, so that many more will be able to enter His eternal Kingdom.
We invite you to pray with us on behalf of our suffering family of believers around the world by posting on our
prayer wall.
