More deadly attacks on Iraqi Christians

(Sources: Assyrian International News Agency, Telegraph, CNN) Christians in Iraq have again been the targets of deadly violence in recent days, including bombings and gunfire. On November 11, suspected Islamist militants detonated 11 bombs in Christian suburbs across the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, indiscriminately targeting shops and homes. At least five Christians were killed and approximately 33 injured. Fresh violence also erupted in predominately Christian areas of Iraq on the evening of November 15. At least one person was killed and seven others injured when two car bombs exploded in Baghdad. Also that evening, gunmen invaded the homes of Christian families in the eastern region of Mosul and killed two men. The following afternoon, a Christian man and his six-year-old daughter were killed by a car bomb in Mosul.

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This recent and devastating wave of violence comes but a few weeks after a hostage siege and bombing in a Baghdad cathedral that left several Christians dead and many others wounded (click here for more). Pray for God's peace for those mourning loved ones lost in these attacks. Ask God to make our Iraqi brothers and sisters strong so that they can share His love and Word without hesitation or fear, even in an environment of upheaval and danger. Pray that those responsible for these attacks will be moved by the Spirit to repent of their actions and accept Jesus as their Lord. For more on trials facing Christians in Iraq, go to the Iraq Country Report.

Three schools raided in China; believers questioned

(Source: ChinaAid) Officials invaded kindergarten classes in the Southern provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan, China on November 7. All three schools raided are under the leadership of Sun Haiping, who is the wife of formerly imprisoned house-church pastor Wang Dao (click here for more information). Sun is also part of the Chinese delegation currently in Washington D.C., which focuses on issues of democracy and religious freedom. During the raids, officials questioned teachers and children concerning where Sun was and what her purpose was for traveling to the United States. They also asked if the school owned Bibles or distributed them to students. Sun said of the incidents: "If this was a normal school inspection, the PSB (Public Security Bureau) would not have been there, and it would have been led by the Education Bureau. The schools are at risk of being shut down." Please pray that Sun Haiping and her husband, Wang Dao, will stay strong and faithful. Pray that the children in these schools will be able to continue receiving quality education from equipped and dedicated teachers. Pray for significant and lasting advances in religious freedom in China. To learn more about the sufferings of Christians in China, go to the China Country Report.

Churches raided; members detained in China

(Source: ChinaAid) Officials in China raided at least two churches in recent weeks. On November 10, Public Security Bureau officers and representatives from the Bureau of Religion disrupted a church meeting being held in the city of Shuangcheng, Heilongjiang province. The general ledger of the church was confiscated. On the morning of November 12, local officials and members of the Bozhou Bureau of Religion raided a house-church meeting held in Pingyao county, in Shanxi province. Several items belonging to the church were confiscated. Officials took at least 10 believers away, and five of them were detained until late afternoon. Pray for encouragement for these believers as they face oppression for their faith. Pray that the Church in China will undergo such trials with Christ-like endurance and faithfulness. Pray that the Chinese government will truly respect the religious freedom of its citizens. To post a prayer for Chinese believers, go to the Persecuted Church Prayer Wall. For more on the persecution of Christians in China, go to the China Country Report.

Reach out to suffering North Korean believers this Christmas

(Source: VOM Canada) Our brothers and sisters in North Korea continue to covet our prayers. Under the rule of Kim Jong Il, the needs of North Koreans continue to be sacrificed in order to bolster the power and control of his regime. North Koreans are currently suffering severely because of skyrocketing inflation and the shortage of daily necessities; many are starving to death. Among the hardest hit are followers of Christ, who are treated with particular cruelty for refusing to renounce Christ -- an action that recognizes an authority greater than the "Dear Leader." For a second year, VOM's Christmas Blessing Fund is supplying believers in North Korea with gift packages that contain food, toiletries, medication, clothing and Christian literature. This on-going project, with distributions made throughout the year, helps to fulfill persecuted believers' basic needs. Get involved in this exciting project today as we grasp the hands of our brothers and sisters in North Korea and share the blessing of Christmas with them! To make a donation securely online, go to our donation page. You can also send your financial gifts by mail or call us at 1.905.670.9721. Pray for boldness and strength for Christians living in North Korea. Pray for God's provision for those suffering in prison camps and living in deplorable conditions. Pray that North Korean Christians will have opportunities to share the love of Christ, even with those who oppress them. Pray that God's unrestrained mercy will spill over North Korea, frustrating the wicked (Psalm 146:9b) and delivering the oppressed (Psalm 40:11-13). For more on believers suffering for serving Christ in North Korea, visit the North Korea Country Report.

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