(Sources: AP, Assyrian International News Agency, Open Doors)
On October 31, at least 46 Christians were killed and more than 80 others severely injured when Islamic militants stormed the Syriac Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad's Karrada district during Mass.
The gunmen, armed with automatic weapons and explosives, entered the building and demanded that the Coptic Church of Egypt release Iranian women, whom the extremists claim voluntarily converted to Islam and were locked up by the church. The men then shot a priest and began spraying the crowd with bullets. Hours of terror, confusion and bloodshed followed.
One of the gunmen reportedly called a local TV network during the siege. He said he was part of the Islamic State of Iraq, a group linked to al-Qaida, and demanded the release of the Muslim women within 48 hours. After four hours, security forces stormed the church and put an end to the hostage situation.
Later that evening, a cryptically worded statement that appeared to claim responsibility for the attack was posted on a website belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq. The statement said that an "angry group of mujahideen from among the supporters of Allah raided one of the filthy dens of idolatry that was used by the Christians of Iraq as a headquarters to fight the religion of Islam." The group also stated that it would "exterminate Iraqi Christians," if the Muslim women in Egypt were not freed.
At press time, the total number of causalities from the attack was still being confirmed. Most reports indicate that 58 people were killed and at least 80 injured.
Pray for God's abiding comfort for those mourning the loss of loved ones. Pray that even in the aftermath of this brutal violence, Iraqi Christians will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith, and not grow weary or lose heart. (Hebrews 10:32-39; Hebrews 12:1-3). Pray for peace and stability in Iraq.
For more information on the suffering of Iraq's Christian community, go to the
Iraq Country Report.
Christian festival raided; believers detained in Azerbaijan
(Source: Forum18)
Police raided a Christian festival and detained four believers in the town of Kusar, Azerbaijan on October 31. Approximately 80 members of a Baptist church were gathered in a believer's home for a celebration thanking God for the harvest when police arrived and began to interfere with the activities. The officials turned off the gas and electricity in order to prevent the believers from preparing their meal. They also photographed and videotaped the service and recorded the names of those present.
Four men -- Ilgar Mamedov (the homeowner), Zalib Ibrahimov, Rauf Gurbanov and Akif Babaev -- were forced to leave with the officers. Seven hours later, the four believers were secretly taken to a local court where they were tried with charges of "insulting people." In a closed hearing, they were each given five-day prison terms. The following morning, a church member who went to the police station to check on the men was told that another trial would be held in five days' time. He also learned that authorities were threatening to give Zalib a 12-year prison sentence.
Ask God to equip these four men through His grace to stand firm in their faith as they suffer. Pray that they will be released and without further legal penalty. Pray that officials will repent of their unjust actions. Pray that a spirit of joy and trust will govern the hearts of Azeri Christians as they serve the Lord amid opposition.
To learn more about the persecuted Church in Azerbaijan, visit the
Azerbaijan Country Report.
Chinese authorities raid Christian's home
(Source: ChinaAid)
Approximately 10 police officials raided the home of a Christian in Beijing, China, in an effort to search for Hua Huiqi, a formerly imprisoned pastor. Every room in the house was ransacked, including a bedroom belonging to a child. The officials questioned the homeowner about intentions to meet with foreigners later that evening.
In response to the incident, the owner later spoke these powerful words: "Because the Beijing police have crossed the line, and have blatantly and continually abused the basic rights of my entire family, I hereby announce that today I will begin to continually fast and pray. I will pray to the Lord to bless China and to fill it with righteousness! I also request, brothers and sisters, that you pray for me and my family, and that God may grant us freedom from fear!"
Pray that this believer will continue to set Christ apart as Lord without giving in to fear, always prepared to share Christ while living a holy life (1 Peter 3:14-17). Pray that other Christians facing opposition in China will also remain confident in Christ and look prayerfully and faithfully to Him. Pray that China will no longer violate the human rights of its citizens. Pray also for safety for Pastor Hua Huiqi.
For more on the persecution of Christians in China, visit the Country Report at the
China Country Report.
Update: Pray for imprisoned Pakistani Christian
(Source: VOM-USA)
In June 2009, Asia Bibi was imprisoned on charges of blasphemy in the village of Ittanwali, Punjab province, following a heated discussion with her Muslim coworkers (click here for more on her story). Since then she has been languishing in prison. Her husband and two daughters have been allowed very limited contact with her. A court hearing was planned for the end of October. At press time, it was not yet known if this hearing was held.
Pray that the charges against Asia will be dropped. Pray that she will soon be reunited with her husband and daughters. Pray that she will continue to look to the Lord for her strength, taking comfort in God's promise that He commends those who suffer for doing good (1 Peter 2:20-21). You can visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall and post a prayer for Asia and others who are being persecuted for Christ's sake.
To learn more about Christians suffering for righteousness' sake in Pakistan, go to the
Pakistan Country Report.
