A spokesperson from the country's security forces explained that the day before the church attack, the imam, Sheikh Ibrahim Omar, was killed in a drive-by shooting after preaching in a mosque linked to al-Shabab, the Somali extremist group responsible for the torturous killing of 67 people in the September 21st attack at Nairobi's Westgate Mall. The Kenyan government has announced that it will launch a war against the extremists due to their involvement in the horrific atrocities that took place during the mall attack. However, its security leader, Robert Kitor, has publically assured that the security forces were not involved in the killing of Sheikh Omar.
Words can never express the depth of grief, shock, horror and devastation caused by these Islamic extremists in the lives of so many innocent victims and their loved ones, as well as the members of their communities. May the God of all comfort make His wonderful presence, healing and peace evident to them, along with the assurance that His righteousness and justice will indeed prevail. Not only does the Lord know the names of each perpetrator, He also knows their very thoughts, actions and intents to commit evil. Pray that the members of this militant group will awaken to His righteousness, experience great conviction and awareness of their sin, and succumb to the life-transforming power of His Holy Spirit.
EGYPT: Gunmen Attack Wedding Guests in Giza
Sources: BBC, Reuters, Daily Mail
On the evening of October 20th, two unidentified gunmen riding motorcycles opened fire on guests exiting a Coptic Christian church in Giza (about 20 kilometres southwest of central Cairo). The gunmen fired automatic weapons as the guests were leaving the church after attending a wedding ceremony.
Tragically, a young girl was among the three victims who had been killed; several others were injured. Reportedly, the masked gunmen were somehow able to flee despite the congested traffic. The Director of Giza Security formed a task force to find the gunmen. The attack is yet to be classified as "criminal" or "terrorist."
Coptic Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt's 80 million people, and have generally coexisted peacefully with majority Sunni Muslims for centuries, despite bouts of sectarian tension. However, since the army's overthrow of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi on July 3rd, the country has experienced the worst attacks against churches and Christian properties in centuries. For more information on the plight of Christians in Egypt, please
click here. A recently produced four-minute documentary can be viewed at
Persecution.TV.
Pray that the Lord will minister in a special way to the traumatized bride and groom, as well as all of their attending friends and relatives who are also experiencing terrible shock and grief due to this recent tragedy. Ask Him to bring healing to the injured and comfort to those who've lost dear loved ones. May this incident of violence somehow be miraculously used for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28)... serving to further strengthen His people, bring about greater church unity and lead many more of Egypt's citizens to eternal salvation.
COLOMBIA: Terrorist Bombing Threatens Christians and Neighbouring Families
Sources: Colombia Reports, VOMC Contacts
Greg Musselman of VOM Canada, who has recently returned from Colombia, reports that a bomb blast took place near the home of one of our in-country ministry partners, causing terrible destruction in the neighbouring area. This former FARC commander-turned-evangelist is not sure if the blast was meant as a warning for him to cease his Christian activity.
According to a recent news release posted by the "Colombia Report," this particular bombing incident, which took place in the country's Cauca state, has caused injuries to at least nine victims, including children. Police commander Ricardo Augusto Alarcon states that the explosion has also left a six-foot deep hole in the road and damaged at least 10 houses. The police are blaming Colombia's largest rebel group, FARC, for the attack, specifically the group's 6th Front, which operates in the area and controls much of the marijuana production in Cauca. (Previous persecution reports can be accessed at the
Colombia Country Report.)
Although our dedicated ministry partner is well aware of the dangers he and his family are facing while spreading the message of God's love, such acts of violence and terrorism will not deter him from continuing the work of the ministry. It's reassuring to know that even in the midst of such tragedies, the Lord's compassion and concern can be demonstrated in tangible ways by reaching out to those in need.
Ask the Lord to intervene in Colombia's troublesome areas where different factions of the FARC terrorist group are threatening the safety, well-being and peace of the country's many innocent citizens. This includes all who are vulnerable, such as the elderly, children and persecuted Christians who aren't retaliating through violence. May these fellow believers be mindful that God is their Protector, Saviour and Deliverer: "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies" (Psalm 18:2-3).
Added note: In the coming weeks, we will be providing further information, including a video report, to let you know what God is accomplishing in Colombia. Thankfully, even in the midst of persecution, many are coming to Christ!
