PAKISTAN: Homes Set Ablaze by Mob of Extremists

Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Release International, Fox News, Reuters According to the most recent reports, hundreds of homes in a Christian neighbourhood of Lahore were set on fire by thousands of Muslim extremists during two days of violence that began during the evening of March 8th, and then continued again the following morning. The attacks were sparked by yet another incident involving blasphemy allegations against a local Christian.

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It all began when a young man by the name of Sawan Masih got involved in a petty dispute with a close Muslim friend. Following the incident, police arrested Sawan who was accused of blasphemy. When the allegations were broadcast from mosque loudspeakers, thousands of Muslims went on a rampage in the community, setting fire to approximately 200 homes. In addition, two churches, a chapel and many shops were vandalized; numerous Christians had been beaten; houses were looted; and hundreds of Bibles purposely burned. Fearing for their lives, nearly all the residents of this terror-stricken region fled, some on the advice of local police. For more on the challenges facing Christians in Pakistan, go to the Pakistan Country Report. Pray that in the aftermath of these violent attacks, the people of this Christian community will be granted the courage and hope needed to rebuild their lives and emerge even stronger in their faith. May those with political power and influence take a strong stand against such terrible acts of lawlessness, proactively doing more to protect all the innocent and vulnerable members of the community. Also pray that the charges made against Sawan will be dropped, and that his family and community will be protected from further incidents of violence.

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EGYPT: Hostility Against Christians Escalates

Sources: Asia News, Shekinah Today, Vatican Radio More than one year after the country's 2012 revolution, violence against Christians in Egypt has escalated. One of the recent attacks occurred on February 15th, when a mob of a few hundred Islamic militants threw stones and set fire to St. Georgas Coptic Church, located in the poor village of Sarsena (about 100 km. southwest of Cairo). The church, which was built about 20 years ago, provided ministry to approximately 200 Christian families. Reportedly, the extremists felt justified in their actions, stating that the church was illegal because of its close proximity to their Muslim neighbourhood. Unfortunately, attacks against Christians in Egypt have become too frequent. During a recently aired radio interview, Father Rafic Greiche, a spokesperson for the Greek Melkite Church, explains the serious ramifications of the country's increasing persecution. "Christians don't feel secure at all -- especially now," he states. "We have a lack of security, and the people are demoralized." He then mentions another great concern: "The people who are emigrating are the people who have money and are the most educated," thus alluding to the possibility that the poorer members of Egypt's Christian communities may be left with no one to speak up for them and guide them in times of difficulty. For an historical overview on this country and past reports/video clips, check the Egypt Country Report. Pray that the Christians living in the village of Sarsena and throughout Egypt will be strengthened and encouraged as they face this season of persecution. May God protect and bless all who have chosen to follow Him and become part of His beloved family. Pray, too, for the forgiveness and salvation of those who are essentially serving as pawns of the enemy -- the real culprit behind the ploy to harm God's people. According to 1 John 4:4, "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." May our Almighty God arise, proving His great faithfulness and bringing glory to His wonderful name!

NIGERIA: Most Dangerous Country for Residing Christians

Source: World Watch Monitor According to the new 2013 edition of the World Watch List, produced by Open Doors, Nigeria is considered the most dangerous country for a Christian to live. The researchers report, "Between November 2011 and October 2012, we recorded 1,201 killings of Christians worldwide of which 791 happened in Nigeria." Since 2009, the attacks of Boko Haram, a militant Islamic group, have claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people. The majority of the attacks were made against churches -- spanning from the capital Abuja, across mid-to-northern Nigeria, and through to Sharia-law northern states. In the militant group's ruthless attempts to overthrow the government for the purpose of creating an Islamic state, the resulting havoc and destruction has taken its toll in what is known as Africa's most populous country. And the aftermath of the tragedies affecting Nigeria's innocent victims can be described as excruciating. Deborah painfully recalls how her husband was shot dead in front of her, and how their two daughters, ages 7 and 9, were taken away by the perpetrators on April 25th, 2012. This distraught mother has not received any news of her girls since then. A few months after their abduction, her third child (a son) was shot and killed. To hear the testimonies of three other Nigerian widows who were caught in the midst of the country’s violence, visit our multimedia site. While many Christian families have been able to flee from these volatile areas, a small minority of remaining residents are now living in constant fear of further unexpected attacks. In an effort to provide some protection, the government has deployed a special army-police unit. However, it's reported that the security is still fragile in this part of the world. To better understand the plight of believers in Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report. Please continue to pray for the surviving victims of the attacks, as well as those who have tragically lost loved ones. May our Heavenly Father assure them of His comforting presence and tremendous love, while also providing them a safe place in which they can heal and be restored. Ask that He give the government officials (including Nigeria's Christian president, Goodluck Jonathan) wisdom and support, both nationally and internationally, as they raise up a standard against the tide of evil seeking to overcome them. In fact, pray that God will somehow capture the attention of the members of Boko Haram, helping them to realize the seriousness of their actions against His innocent people and leading them to sincere repentance and spiritual transformation.

LIBYA: Recently Arrested Prisoner Succumbs to Injuries

We have been notified by Middle East Concern that Ezzat Hakim Atalla Abdel-Malek, one of the arrested friends of businessman/bookstore manager Sherif Ramses, passed away on March 10th. Just days prior to his passing, he was taken to hospital where he received treatment for chest pain. The extensive bruising on his body revealed the physical abuse he experienced during detainment. Unfortunately, Ezzat did not survive the injuries and, sadly, now leaves behind a grieving wife and two teenage children. Please pray that his family will experience the comforting presence of the "Prince of Peace" in their lives, and also the assurance that Ezzat is a true "hero of the faith." May the reality of his present joy and eternal reward in heaven greatly encourage and sustain them. (Share a prayer for Ezzat's family at VOM's Persecuted Church Prayer Wall. To review the original report on the arrest of these Christian businessmen, please click here.)

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