(Source: Middle East Concern)
The first hearing for Youcef Nardarkhani, an Iranian pastor who received a death sentence for apostasy, has been scheduled for September 25. In July, the Supreme Court instructed the Revolutionary Tribunal of Gilan Province to review Youcef's case to verify whether he was previously a practicing Muslim (for more information, click here). Youcef claims that, although raised in a Muslim home, he was never a Muslim by choice, conviction, belief or consistent practice, and that he should therefore not be regarded as an apostate. If the Tribunal concludes that Youcef was previously a Muslim and so is now an apostate, the Supreme Court's ruling makes clear that he should then be executed unless he recants his faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
Pray that Youcef will not be declared an apostate. Pray that he will remain firm in his faith and know the presence and peace of Jesus each day. Pray that his wife, Fatemeh, and their two sons will know the comfort and hope of Jesus, and that the family will be reunited soon. Pray that all officials involved will act justly in this case.
For more information on persecution in Iran, please visit the Iran Country Report.
Christian convert beheaded in Somalia
(Source: Compass Direct)
A kidnapped Christian convert from Islam was found decapitated on September 2 on the outskirts of Hudur in Bakool region, in south-western Somalia. Juma Nuradin Kamil, who embraced Christianity about three years ago, was kidnapped on August 21 by three suspected Islamic extremists from the al Shabaab terrorist group. Muslim extremists from al Shabaab, a militant group with ties to al Qaeda, have vowed to rid Somalia of Christianity.
Sources believe the kidnapping and subsequent manner of murder suggest that al Shabaab militants had been monitoring him. "It is usual for the al Shabaab to decapitate those they suspect to have embraced the Christian faith, or sympathisers of western ideals," a Christian leader said. "Our brother ... was determined in his faith in God. We greatly miss him."
Pray for Juma's family and the grieving Christian community. May they rest in the knowledge that the Good Shepherd walks with them through this difficult time. Ask the Lord to protect believers in Somalia and deliver them from harm. Pray that the perpetrators will repent and turn to Jesus Christ.
You can post a prayer for those mourning Juma on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall. For more on our suffering brothers and sisters in Somalia, go to the Somalia Country Report.
Update: Church leader re-arrested, suffering ill health in Vietnam
(Sources: AsiaNews, Human Rights Watch)
Father Nguyen Van Ly, a church leader who has spent over 15 years in prison for his work in advocating religious freedom, democracy and human rights in Vietnam, was re-arrested by authorities on July 25.
Father Ly, 65, was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2007 for distributing material "harmful to the state." He was released temporarily in March 2010 to undergo a year's medical treatment for serious health concerns after he suffered two strokes that left him partially paralyzed (for more information, click here). Despite his ill health, Father Ly continues to be detained.
Pray that Father Ly will know the Lord's care and provision in his life. Pray that the charges against Father Ly will be dropped. Pray that he will experience the Lord's healing. Pray that religious freedom and human rights will be respected in Vietnam.
Go to the Vietnam Country Report for more information on the suffering Church in Vietnam.
Update: Pastor released early from prison in China
(Source: ChinaAid)
Zhang Rongliang, a prominent house church leader sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison in 2004, has been released nine months early. Zhang was charged with "attaining a passport through cheating" and "illegal border crossing" after attending several international mission conferences. Before his 2004 arrest, he had spent 12 years in prison on five different occasions during which he suffered severe torture, including electric shocks.
While Zhang was in prison there were serious concerns about his health. In 2007, it was reported that he was near death due to diabetes and high blood pressure (for more, click here). However, his family reports that Zhang is now in good health. Zhang and his family members thank all those around the world who advocated on his behalf.
Thank the Lord for the early release of Zhang! Pray for his continued health and strength. Pray that, like Paul, his imprisonment will result in the advancement of God's kingdom (Philippians 1:12-14). Pray for the release of other imprisoned Christians in China.
Please visit the China Country Report to learn more about the trials Christians face in China.
