Vam was detained for "destroying the forest" while clearing brush from his field with his wife. The police claim he died after accidentally putting his hand into an electric socket. However, photographs taken soon after his death reveal severe bruising on his back and neck, leading witnesses to conclude he was beaten violently before his death. Members of Vam's community believe the official charge of "destroying the forest" was merely an excuse to terrorize local Hmong Christians.
Many of these believers now living in the Central Highlands are originally from the northwest of the country, where Christian communities are subject to arbitrary arrest, beatings by police, forced or coerced eviction, and fines for converting to Christianity. Over the past two decades, they have fled the north in large numbers as a result of religious persecution, hoping they would be able to practice their faith freely further south. Last month, CSW received reports of Hmong Christians being subjected to various forms of harassment and intimidation by the authorities (and local thugs working with them), including destruction of property, violent physical assault and confiscation of land. To learn more, go to the
Vietnam Country Report.
May great comfort rest upon Vam's surviving family and community, knowing that he is no longer suffering but rather enjoying the glorious presence of our Lord whom he so willingly and faithfully served. Pray that those representing every level of Vietnam's government would be mindful of the great value of human life, holding those responsible for Vam's torture and consequential death accountable. As a result of this tragedy, may the government be more vigilant to ensure the rights for religious freedom are upheld, thus preventing further violations against Hmong Christians and other believers.
AZERBAIJAN: Pastors Fined for Worship Services
Source: Release International
At a recent court hearing that took place on Good Friday, the leaders of two small Baptist churches in Azerbaijan were given heavy fines for holding worship services. In addition, judges threatened them with even tougher penalties unless they cease holding services altogether.
The two pastors, Zaur Balayev and Hamid Shabanov, have suffered persecution for more than 15 years, according to Archbishop Malkhaz Songulashvili of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia: "They have also been warned that if they do not comply with the decision of the court and will in the future hold services, they will be either fined for a bigger amount or arrested." The two pastors plan to appeal this court decision. For further information on the struggles of believers in this country, review the
Azerbaijan Country Report.
Please pray that both pastors' appeals will be heard swiftly, leading to the fines being dropped and their religious rights upheld. Throughout the legal process, may God fill them with His perfect peace and the wonderful assurance that He is with them in this spiritual battle. Also pray that the Azerbaijan government will allow greater religious liberties so the represented congregations can worship freely with joy and thankfulness to the Lord.
SRI LANKA: Disturbing Passivity Over Escalating Persecution
Sources: National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, Colombo Gazette
Christian leaders in Sri Lanka continue to express serious concern over escalating violent attacks against the country's religious minorities. In recent months, Muslims and Christians alike have faced ongoing intimidation, assault, and violence due to their religious practices. Even more alarming, the attacks seem to be organized and orchestrated by two extremist groups that appear to have support from governing authorities.
Despite eye-witness testimonies and video and photographic evidence, no arrests have been made in the majority of these cases. As a result, perpetrators are rarely brought to justice. The apathetic lack of response shown by law enforcement agencies reveals the fact that they are merely being passive observers to the ongoing violations against basic human rights and liberties, especially concerning religious freedom and the economic and cultural rights of minority religious communities. For a brief historical overview, go to the
Sri Lanka Country Report.
The NCEASL has called upon the government of Sri Lanka to seriously evaluate its position on the country's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, in an effort to prevent empowering extremist organizations. By directing law and security authorities to take a proactive stance against such injustice through the enforcement of laws protecting the rights of minority religious groups, representatives are essentially striving for greater peace and harmony among all the inhabitants of Sri Lanka.
While God's Word instructs believers not to retaliate inappropriately against those who perpetrate violence, we are encouraged to mediate on behalf of those in need of justice. Like Queen Esther, we prayerfully ask that through God's mighty intervention, government officials and all others in positions of authority will respect the human rights and religious freedoms of others so peace and justice may prevail. Ultimately, it is our desire that the "Prince of Peace" will make His powerful presence known among all the people groups within this Asian nation.
RECENT PRISONER UPDATE
SENEGAL (WEST AFRICA): Falsely Accused Missionaries Granted Bail
Source: WEA Religious Liberty Commission
Two Brazilian missionaries, who were detained on false accusations in November 2012, were granted bail on April 5th after spending five months in prison. The missionaries, Jose Dilson da Silva and Zeneide Moreira, ran an orphanage for street children in Dakar when they were arrested on a false complaint made by the parent of an attending child. The father was angered that his son had been learning from the Bible.
The missionaries were then imprisoned based on the accusation made by the parent that they had started an association to violate the children of Senegal. Jose, a father himself, has been serving in Africa for the past 22 years without incident; and Zeneide was faithfully fulfilling her role as the matron of the orphanage.
Let us pray for wisdom and guidance to be granted to the legal team handling this case, so that these dedicated missionaries may be exonerated of all charges. In the meantime, may Jose and Zeneide continue to trust in the Lord and remain faithful to their calling, knowing that He promises to work all things together for good to those who love Him.... This includes their desire for the safety and well-being of the children who undoubtedly are affected by the situation. May Jesus Himself personally and compassionately minister to each and every one of these precious children, watching over them with His loving care.
