Update: Sentence upheld for detained Chinese Christian

(Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide) The People's High Court of the Xinjiang in Urumqi, China, recently upheld the 15-year prison sentence of Alimujiang Yimiti, an imprisoned Uyghur house-church leader (click here for information). Alim, a convert from Islam to Christianity, has been detained since January 2008 and convicted of "instigating separatism and revealing state secrets to foreigners." Those close to the case have insisted on his complete innocence. In 2009, a United Nations Working Group declared that Alim was detained "solely on account of his faith." His case was accepted for review in November 2010, raising hopes that the injustice of his case might finally be revealed. In mid-February, however, he received a notice informing him that his sentenced was being upheld--a sentence which is reportedly the harshest given to a Christian in a decade. The news comes as a blow to his wife and children, who have had little contact with him since his detention.

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Pray for true justice to be upheld in Alim's case. Pray he will be released. Pray his family will look to the Lord as their ever-constant source of comfort and guidance. Pray that, even in chains, Alim will continue to rejoice in the love of the Father, who hears the cries of His children and serves as their strength and shield (Psalm 28:6-7).

Islamic mob burns down church in Egypt

(Source: Compass Direct News) On March 4 and 5, a Muslim mob in a village south of Cairo attacked a church building and burned it down, almost killing the parish priest. The attack came after a local imam, Sheik Ahmed Abu Al-Dahab, issued a call to "Kill all the Christians." The attack started on Friday evening in Sool (35 kilometres from Cairo), and lasted through most of Saturday. A parish priest, who narrowly escaped death in the fire, said the clamour of the Church of the Two Martyrs St. George and St. Mina being torn apart sounded like "hatred." After demolishing the church, the group of Muslims held prayers at the site and began collecting money to build a mosque where the church building once stood, said the assistant bishop of Giza, Rev. Balamoun Youaqeem. The attack was in response to the rumour of an affair between a Muslim and a Copt. Earlier this month, Sool villagers accused a Muslim woman and a Coptic man, both married, of being involved with each other. Because of the attack, Copts in Sool fled to adjacent villages. The women who remained in the village are now being sexually assaulted, said Rev. Youaqeem, who is receiving phone calls from area women begging for help. Pray for calm and peace in Egypt. Pray the authorities will do everything possible to protect Christians. Pray for the women who have been assaulted. Pray the gospel will spread throughout Egypt and many Muslims will come to know Christ.

Spate of attacks on Christians erupts in Orissa, India

(Source: Compass Direct News) Hindu extremists have attacked Koya tribal Christians in villages in a remote area of Orissa state at least 15 times since December 8, 2010. In the latest incident on February 23 in Murliguda, about 60 assailants from the Hindu extremist group RSS damaged Bhadan Hontal's eardrums and beat Markari Soma until he fell unconscious. Christian women and children were among those injured in the attacks on churches. The attacks began on December 8 in Katanpali village when about 35 Hindu extremists stormed the house of Pastor Mark Markani and beat him. Christians have suffered midnight raids on prayer meetings in which they have been beaten, resulting in some Christians fleeing their homes and going into hiding. At least four families have left their village and not returned due to militants' warnings. Pray the Lord will heal those who have been injured. Pray He will give them the grace to forgive and the courage to continue to be faithful. Pray against further attacks. Pray also for the perpetrators.

Ethiopian Christian killed, homes and churches burned in attacks

(Source: International Christian Concern) Muslims have killed one Christian and burned down multiple churches and homes in attacks against Christians in Asendabo, Ethiopia. Beginning on March 2, Muslims killed one Christian, wounded several others, burned down 55 churches, 30 Christian homes, a Bible school, a Christian orphanage and a church office. More than 3,000 Christians are now displaced because of the violence. The violence started after Muslims falsely accused Christians of desecrating the Qur'an. The local police and government officials did nothing to stop the attackers. Federal government officials have now stepped in and removed the local Muslim administrator for his failure to protect Christians. The Ethiopian government has sent military forces to put down the anti-Christian violence perpetrated by Muslims in Asendabo and the surrounding areas. Government officials have arrested several Muslims suspected of attacking Christians in the area. Jimma Zone in Western Ethiopia, where Asendabo is located, was the scene of violent attacks against Christians in 2006 when Muslims killed more than a dozen Christians and burned down several churches. Thousands of Christians have been forced to leave their homes as a result of these attacks. Pray for the physical, mental and emotional recovery of those coming to terms with the effects of this violence. Ask for the Lord's protection on this community and wisdom for the leaders in the area. Pray Christians will continue to meet together and be an encouragement to one another.

VOM's Persecuted Church Prayer Conferences are coming!

We're just a few weeks away from VOM Canada's Persecuted Church Prayer Conferences. March 19 at West Meadows Baptist Church in Edmonton, Alberta March 26 at City Centre Baptist Church in Mississauga, Ontario Through these special events, you can join with believers from across Canada in remembering Christians serving as enduring witnesses of God's faithfulness around the world. You will hear from Russell Stendal, a missionary to Colombia with incredible testimonies of Colombian believers serving Christ and sharing God's Word. You will also hear how VOM Canada has been working alongside suffering believers for the past 40 years and how you can get involved in empowering, equipping and encouraging believers today. For details on this exciting conference, download our ad. We hope to see you there!

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