(Sources: VOM-USA, Mission Network News)
A Kuwaiti Member of Parliament (MP) is drafting a law banning the construction of churches and other non-Islamic places of worship, as lawmakers also attempt to bring in the death penalty for blasphemy laws.
The MP, Osama Al-Munawer, at first said he planned to submit a draft law requiring the removal of all churches in the country, but later said existing churches could remain and that only new construction would be banned. A fellow MP who supports the law said, "Kuwait already has an excessive number of churches compared to the country's Christian minority." About 13 per cent of the population is Christian, although most are expatriates.
Meanwhile new teeth are being given to Kuwait's blasphemy law. Todd Nettleton from our sister mission in the USA said, "Witnesses for Christ could face the death penalty if they would be accused and convicted of blasphemy, if this law passes the process and becomes approved."
While the constitution protects freedom of belief, the constitution also says Islam is the state religion and Islamic law (Shariah) is an important source of legislation. Conversion from Islam to other religions is not permitted, and the government actively supports proselytism by Sunni Muslims. Although the first vote on this law has passed, another vote is required and the leader of the country will also have to sign off on it.
Please pray that these laws will be struck down. Pray that increased opposition will result in increased boldness among believers (Acts 4:29-31). Pray that the spread of the gospel will only grow throughout the country, demonstrating to unbelievers in Kuwait that the God Christians serve and worship is the one and only true God with complete authority over all.
For more information on persecution in Kuwait, go to the
Kuwait Country Report.
Azerbaijan church building may soon be closed
(Source: Forum 18 News Service)
A court in Azerbaijan's capital Baku will determine if Greater Grace Protestant Church should be liquidated in a decision likely to be made on April 19. If the court upholds the liquidation suit filed by the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, all the church's communal activity will become illegal. The church had state registration for 19 years.
The possible closure is one of many examples of the country's recent attempts to restrict freedom of religion and belief. The country's leaders are brazenly defying international human rights commitments by banning all exercise of freedom of religion or belief without state permission and imposing heavy penalties for those who fail to obey.
The State Committee has not registered hundreds of religious communities that applied for the compulsory re-registration required by harsh amendments to the Religion Law in 2009 (for more on this law, click here). As of April 2012, only 570 religious communities were registered on the State Committee website and none had been added to the list since November 2011.
Please pray that the Greater Grace Protestant Church's congregation will find joy in this trial, knowing that proving their faith genuine will result in praise, glory and honour for Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7). Pray that, despite these restrictions, Christians in Azerbaijan will continue to meet together and share the Good News with others.
Please visit the
Azerbaijan Country Report to learn more about persecution in Azerbaijan.
Algerian believer appeals prison sentence
(Source: VOM-USA)
An Algerian Christian sentenced to five years in prison for "shaking the faith" of Muslims after sharing his faith is awaiting a decision on his appeal. The believer, "Kadar," who regularly shares his faith with Muslims in the city of Oran, was discussing his belief in Christ with a man at an outdoor food court last May when the man became angry and accused Kadar of insulting Muhammad. Police arrested Kadar and found a large amount of Christian materials in his apartment.
After Kadar was convicted, the judge gave him the maximum sentence of five years in prison even though the prosecutor had recommended a lesser sentence. Kadar is now out on bail awaiting the decision. There are four other legal cases against Christians in Algeria being monitored by VOM.
Please pray that the Lord will give believers undergoing persecution peace and strength, and even more opportunities to share the gospel. Ask the Lord to grant Kadar His peace during this time. Pray that the Church will continue to grow in Algeria.
To read more about trials facing Algerian Christians, go to the
Algeria Country Report.
Update: Prisoner in Pakistan spends nights praying and singing
(Source: VOM-USA)
The family of Imran Ghafur, a Pakistani Christian who has been imprisoned on blasphemy charges since early 2010 (for more,
click here), was recently visited by VOM staff.
His family shared that Imran spends time praying and singing spiritual songs in the prison at midnight. Sometimes Muslim prisoners join him and ask him to pray for them. Imran also spends time reading the Bible. His family shared that he is anxious to be released so that he can "do missionary work for Jesus."
Pray for Imran's release. Pray that, in the meantime, God will bless Imran's missionary work within the prison walls. Pray that the Muslims who have joined him for prayer and song will make a commitment to serve the Lord. Pray for strength and encouragement for Imran's family, as VOM staff said they seemed to be in low spirits.
Go to the Pakistan Country Report to learn more about Pakistan's persecuted Church. To post a prayer for Imran and his family, please visit our
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall. To write a letter of encouragement to Imran,
click here.
Update: First murder conviction issued after 2008 massacre in Orissa, India
(Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide)
Kartik Paramenika has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Ramesh Digal in Orissa, India. The conviction, which was handed down in March, is the first for any of the murders that occurred during widespread mob violence against Christians in Kandhamal, Orissa, in August and September of 2008 (for more,
click here).
Kartik had led a mob to Petapanga village in 2008, where he killed Ramesh and burned down his home. Ramesh had worked as a cook in a school at which Kartik was headmaster. In addition to the life sentence for the murder, Kartik was also sentenced to five years for arson and was fined 5,000 rupees.
Convictions are difficult in India as witnesses are often threatened and harassed. Dr. John Dayal, a member of the Government of India's National Integration Council, said, "Justice remains the critical issue in Kandhamal where a combination of circumstances, including lacunae in investigations and coercion of witnesses, has resulted in a long series of acquittals. This conviction will help begin to rebuild faith in the judicial system. We must also congratulate the public prosecutor for securing this major success."
Please pray that more people responsible for the 2008 murders will be brought to justice. Please pray that witnesses to the crimes will be protected by the Lord and that their courage will not falter despite intimidation and threats of violence. Pray that those who perpetrated violence against believers will repent and seek forgiveness from Jesus. Ask God to help those affected by the 2008 attacks to forgive and love their attackers.
For more on persecution in India, go to the
India Country Report.
