Source: VOM Canada Ministry Partners
On June 1st, over 100 Muslim militants stormed the predominantly Christian village of Attagara in Borno State's Gwoza Local Government Area. Chanting "Allah Akbar," the assailants opened fire, killing over 25 and injuring more than 50 others. Although believers sought help from military personnel at a checkpoint just a few kilometres away, the military refused to intervene. In an attempt to protect the community, and especially the children, many Christian youths decided to try ousting the militants with weapons of their own. Despite church leaders urging them not to pursue violence, the youths nonetheless killed several of the militants.
Two days later, other militants of the group returned to the village in the early morning. Dressed in army uniforms, they told the Christians to gather at a church building in order to brief them on security challenges. Approximately 45 unsuspecting believers went to the church where they were all brutally shot and killed. Meanwhile, hundreds of other assailants joined the assault, shooting at any Christians they saw, including pregnant women and young children. Other surrounding villages were also attacked, with assailants murdering believers and burning down buildings. According to sources, local Muslims in the villages celebrated the attack and looted the homes of the victimized believers.
In the midst of the overwhelming sorrow and pain experienced by the Christians of these attacked villages, pray that those who are mourning will be still and know that our Lord is God and sovereign over all (Psalm 46:10). May this assuring knowledge give them comfort and allow them to rest in His love and peace. Ask God to touch the bodies and minds of those who were injured and traumatized, giving each of them a full recovery. Please also pray that the Christians of these communities, and throughout the country, will not resort to violence and further bloodshed, but will rather entrust true justice to Jesus Christ. May their demonstrations of Christ-like trust, forgiveness and love cause many militants to turn from violence and instead embrace Jesus as Lord.
To post a prayer of love and support for these brothers and sisters in Christ, please visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall at www.persecution.net/prayerwall.
AZERBAIJAN: Old Testament Banned by Authorities
Source: VOM USA
In early May, the Old Testament was included on a list of banned religious books in the country. State police and "expert analysts" reportedly produced the list which was published by a news agency. Along with the Old Testament, another 27 titles on the list were described as "some of the most radical and dangerous" religious books.
Many believers are concerned that police in some areas of the country may use the list of banned books as a reason to conduct raids and confiscate Bibles and other Christian literature. Religious literature is already tightly controlled in Azerbaijan, and those caught with such "illegal" materials often face criminal charges. (For more information on some of the tight restrictions, visit our website at www.persecution.net/az-2012-07-26.htm.)
"We need to pray to God for wisdom as to how to respond to this ban on the Holy Scriptures in Azerbaijan," one of the country's Christian citizens shared.
Acknowledging that the Word of God lights the path for all believers, pray that Christians in Azerbaijan will continue to read and study both the Old and New Testaments despite this ban (Psalm 119:105). May God continue to open doors so that His Holy Scriptures will find their way into the hands of those hungry for His Truth. Please also pray that He will give an extra measure of wisdom to the church leaders at this time as they discern how to best proceed in leading those entrusted to their spiritual care.
For more information on the trials our Christian family faces in Azerbaijan, please visit our website at www.persecution.net/azerbaijan.htm.
CHINA: Persecution Continues in Zhejiang Province
Source: ChinaAid
Churches throughout the province of Zhejiang are continuing to endure opposition from authorities. In total, more than 100 churches have faced various forms of pressure in recent weeks.
In April, the Sanjiang Church was completely destroyed. (For more information on this demolition, visit our website at www.persecution.net/cn-2014-05-08.htm.) Additional churches have been threatened with demolition even if they only share about the opposition they are facing with any outsiders or if they support other area churches.
Furthermore, in mid-May over 50 crosses were removed from church buildings and some congregations were ordered to stop meeting for worship. This month, several house churches were raided by authorities.
The opposition against the church in Zhejiang is in part due to a governmental campaign against "illegal structures." However, sources believe that the opposition is in fact a crackdown on religion.
Ask God to make His presence known to all believers in Zhejiang, strengthening them through the ministry of His Holy Spirit so they will remain firm in their faith. Pray that the ongoing persecution in this province will raise international awareness about religious freedom issues in China, prompting Chinese authorities to allow believers to worship freely. In the meantime, ask God to use the opposition as a means to encourage the growth of His church in both number and faithfulness.
Please visit our China Country Report at www.persecution.net/china.htm for more information on the persecuted church in this nation.
