Sources: Middle East Concern, World Watch Monitor
A 27-year-old pregnant woman has been charged with apostasy, a crime punishable by hanging, after refusing to recant her Christian faith. Meriam Yahia Ibrahim, a doctor, was also sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery, as her marriage to a Christian man is not considered valid. Under Sudanese law, Muslim women may only marry Muslim men.
Since Meriam's father was a Muslim, the authorities regard Meriam a Muslim as well and, therefore, do not recognize her marriage to a Christian. Meriam's father has been absent from her life since she was six, and her Ethiopian Orthodox mother raised her as a Christian.
Meriam and her husband, Daniel Wani, have a 20-month-old son, Martin, who is currently in her care at the prison. (The couple is expecting their second child next month.) She was sentenced with crimes of apostasy and adultery on May 11th. Although given three days to recant her faith, the young expectant mother calmly told the judge at a hearing days later on May 15th that she remains a Christian. Her death sentence is reportedly to be carried out two years after giving birth to her baby. Martin's custody would then be granted to the government. The lawyer acting for Meriam is preparing an appeal which must be submitted within 15 days.
Prison guards and other prisoners have reportedly abused Meriam while she is in prison. She is also being denied medical treatment, including prenatal care for her unborn child. Furthermore, Muslim scholars are visiting the prison with the intent of pressuring Meriam to return to the religion of her father.
Please bring this shocking and heartbreaking case to our Lord in prayer, asking Him to powerfully intervene. May the charges against Meriam be dropped so that she may return home with her husband and child. In the meanwhile, ask God to be especially near to Meriam and little Martin during their time in prison. Pray that the prison guards and authorities will extend compassion and kindness to this mother and her young child, while also providing needed medical care for Meriam's unborn baby. Ask, too, that the Lord will grant peace to Daniel and other concerned family members so they may rest in the knowledge that He is very mindful of their plight and promises to lovingly hold Meriam and Martin in the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:15-16). Finally, please intercede on behalf of the authorities involved in this case, praying that God will open their eyes to the truth of His Word.
To learn more about Sudan's persecuted church, please visit www.persecution.net/sudan.htm.
NORTH KOREA: Christians Blamed for Human Rights Atrocities
Source: Seoul USA
In response to a recent report from the United Nations Human Rights Council concerning human rights abuses in North Korea, authorities from the highly restrictive nation blamed Christian discipleship bases located in northeast China for influencing their citizens.
In a debate before the Council in Geneva, North Korea's ambassador, So Se Pyong, stated: "There are in the northeastern area of China so-called churches and priests exclusively engaged in hostile acts against the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). They indoctrinate the illegal border crossers with anti-DPRK ideology and send them back to the DPRK with assignments of subversion, destruction, human trafficking and even terrorist acts."
Rev. Eric Foley, CEO of Seoul USA (VOMC's sister mission which works with North Koreans in such discipleship bases) gave the following explanation: "The significance of North Korea's comments cannot be overstated. North Korea is choosing to publicly blame Christian missionaries for its human rights problems and internal difficulties."
The situation facing North Korean missionaries in northeast China is becoming more difficult and, according to Rev. Foley, these challenges are not only coming from the 'Hermit Kingdom.' "If North Korea is pointing to missionaries operating in China as a source of potential North Korean instability, and if it is alleging that China is the host, then missionaries can expect an increasing crackdown on churches and discipleship bases reaching North Koreans."
Rev. Foley further contends that North Korea's anti-Christian message is not only directed at China. "From a public perception standpoint, expect that North Korea will more and more seek sympathy and support from the general global public by striking an anti-Christian chord. It may be the most important development regarding Christian ministry to North Korea in the last decade."
While the church in North Korea certainly faces many obstacles, let us thank the Lord for the ways in which He is moving among His people there. Pray that, despite these claims from North Korean authorities, discipleship bases in China will thrive and effectively shepherd those seeking to share the Gospel with their fellow countrymen. Ask God to give wisdom and perseverance to Seoul USA and other groups and individuals working alongside our North Korean brothers and sisters, blessing all of their efforts to proclaim and glorify Him.
To share your own prayer requests for our persecuted family in North Korea, please visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall at www.persecution.net/prayerwall.
KAZAKHSTAN: New Laws Threaten Religious Freedom
Source: Forum 18 News Source
New laws with tougher restrictions on religious freedom are currently awaiting approval in Kazakhstan. The laws, which are currently being reviewed with the parliament's Senate, would usher in harsh new punishments that are raising concerns among human rights defenders and religious communities.
Restrictions include up to 60 days of imprisonment for leading religious meetings without state permission, or up to 45 days in jail for attending such an event. At present, these offenses are punishable with only fines. It would also become illegal to build places of worship in prisons.
In a statement written by 119 local human rights groups and other concerned individuals, it was noted: "In complete contradiction with the Constitution and the norms of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Kazakhstan's laws unequivocally make the profession by an individual of a religion dependent on having several dozen, hundreds or even thousands of fellow believers. The draft Criminal Code harshens punishment for violating this undemocratic provision."
The reported deadline for adopting the new laws is June 15th, with the laws scheduled to come into force as of January 1st, 2015.
Pray that the authorities in Kazakhstan will seek to uphold and respect religious freedom for all, and that these proposed harsh restrictions will be overturned. Ask God to grant wisdom to the church leaders at this time as they navigate these possible changes. May the country's Christians be equipped with courage and boldness to continue following their Lord, regardless of the humanly devised decrees. Let us also pray that He will use these apparent hindrances to further His greater purposes for the church as a whole in Kazakhstan.
To learn more about the restrictions believers face in this country, check out our Kazakhstan Country Report at www.persecution.net/kazakhstan.htm.
