(Source: National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka)
Two pastors were recently attacked in Southern Province, Sri Lanka. In early January, a man broke into the home of a pastor in Galle district. The pastor and his family came into the house to find the intruder inside. The man shouted threats at the pastor and began to assault him. Neighbours were alerted to the attack when they heard screaming. When the pastor's elderly landlord arrived, the intruder also attacked him. He then fled. The pastor and the landlord lodged a complaint with the local police against the attacker. He was arrested, but later released with a severe warning and only after he apologized to the pastor and the landlord.
Assailants also broke the windows of an Assemblies of God church building in the city of Middeniya, Hambantota district, on January 23. A complaint has reportedly been filed with local police. The pastor and his family, who were inside at the time of attack, were previously targeted in July 2008, when assailants set their house ablaze, following threats to him and his church (
click here for more).
Pray God's enduring grace will drive out any fear in the hearts of these believers in the face of opposition. Pray they will stand firm in their faith, putting on the full armour of God and praying in the Spirit on all occasions (Ephesians 6:13-18). Pray their attackers will repent of their actions and place their faith in Jesus Christ. Pray Sri Lankan Christians will proclaim the love and truth of Christ with courage, wisdom and compassion.
You can learn more about the opposition facing Christians in Sri Lanka at the
Sri Lanka Country Report.
Uzbek prisoner of conscience 'released but not free'
(Source: Forum 18 News Service)
Former prisoner of conscience Pastor Dmitry Shestakov, who was recently released from a four-year jail sentence, remains under the severe restrictions of "administrative supervision."
For one year, Pastor Shestakov must report to police in-person almost every week. He may not be outside his home between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. He may not leave his hometown without written police permission. He cannot visit public places such as restaurants. The term of administrative supervision can be extended, and the punishments for breaking the supervision include imprisonment for four years. The authorities have refused to explain the reason for the restrictions.
Thank God for Pastor Shestakov's release from prison. Ask the Lord to help him and his family overcome the suffering they have experienced and give them continued faithfulness and perseverance. Pray Pastor Shestakov's testimony will strengthen the faith of other Christians. Pray for the Holy Spirit to encourage all believers currently serving time in prison for following Christ.
Learn more about the persecuted Church in Uzbekistan at the
Uzbekistan Country Report.
Islamic Somali militants confiscate Christian farms
(Source: International Christian Concern)
Since January 19, members of Al-Shabaab, an Islamic Somali extremist group, have confiscated eight farms from Muslims who showed an interest in Christianity. Christian converts from Islam owned five of the farms and three belonged to Muslims who had attended Bible studies in the cities of Afgoye and Baidawa. Most of the landowners have fled their homes and remain in hiding. There are also unconfirmed reports of additional Christian farm seizures in Dinsor and Burhakaba districts. The confiscated lands were given to businesspersons who regularly donate to Al-Shabaab.
The Islamic group has vowed to cleanse Somalia of any Christian influence. Since January 2009, Al-Shabaab militants have killed 23 Christians, most of whom were church leaders. Militants have also desecrated three Christian cemeteries in Mogadishu and destroyed a Christian library in the Luuq district. Despite intense persecution from Muslim radicals, the Somali Church has demonstrated remarkable growth.
Pray the Lord will provide for those who have lost their land. May His provision be evidence of the Lord's goodness and mercy to those who have yet to put their hope in Christ. Pray the Lord will bring about significant change in the culture and attitudes in the leaders of this nation. Pray His Church will continue to grow in spite of the opposition.
Find out more about the struggles facing Christians in Somalia by visiting the
Somalia Country Report.
Government of Pakistan will not amend blasphemy law
(Source: Assist News Service)
Christians in Pakistan received a blow this week, as the government of Pakistan will not amend the country's controversial blasphemy law. This decision comes after massive countrywide protests against the government by Islamic and mainstream opposition parties who demand that there be no amendments made.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told parliament in a speech before the National Assembly in Islamabad, on February 2, that his government would not touch the legislation, which human rights groups say is routinely abused to persecute minorities and settle personal scores. Most recently, the blasphemy law was used against Asia Bibi, a Christian mother, who was found guilty of blaspheming the Prophet Muhammad and sentenced to death. Her case is currently being appealed.
Sherry Rehman, a member of the Pakistani National Assembly, introduced the bill of proposed amendments last year. However, it was not supported by Rehman's own party. Rehman has said that she was directed to withdraw the bill, and she denies that she did so voluntarily. She has been confined to her home, following a flurry of death threats.
Pray the Lord will raise up other faithful leaders who are willing to speak up for human rights and religious freedom in Pakistan. Ask the Lord to strengthen and protect His Church. Continue to pray for Asia Bibi, that she will be acquitted of all blasphemy charges.
Read more about the persecuted Church in Pakistan at the
Pakistan Country Report.
Angry Muslim crowd attacks churches in Indonesia
(Source: Assist News Service, VOM)
More than 1,000 Muslim protesters stormed a courthouse and burned churches in central Java, Indonesia, on February 8. The attacks in Temanggung happened after Antonius Richmond Bawengan, a Christian man, was sentenced to five years in jail for distributing leaflets deemed insulting to Islam. BBC News reported that Indonesian police said the crowd considered the sentence too lenient and were demanding the death penalty. A police spokesperson told BBC that the angry crowd began attacking the court building after the verdict was read.
At least three church buildings were vandalised. Indonesia Bethel Church was set ablaze. Part of the school building inside the church's property was burned, along with six motorbikes. Arsonists also burned Temanggung Pentecost Church. The extent of the damage has not yet been reported. Santo Petrus Catholic Church and Santo Paulus Catholic Church received damage to their doors and windows as the mob threw stones at them.
In early October 2010, Antionius handed out books and tracts with writings that are considered an insult to Muslims. He was arrested on October 26. He was found guilty of violating the Criminal Code on insulting Islam and received the maximum sentence for the offense -- five years in jail.
Pray for the Lord's protection to be upon this Christian man while he is in prison. Thank the Lord for his efforts in spreading the gospel. Pray he will have opportunities to be a witness for Christ even while in prison. Pray the Christian population in Indonesia continues to grow and unite in their love for Christ.
Learn more about the trials facing Christians in Indonesia at the
Indonesia Country Report.
