Bangladesh
A new law allows any land to be confiscated if it belongs to an “enemy of the state.” Under the protection of this law, Muslims are confiscating Christian homes and churches. They are also refusing Christians access to water. One martyr’s widow has seen no justice in the murder of her husband, and she has been evicted from her home as Muslims learned of her faith in Jesus.
Violent persecution of believers has become widespread in Bangladesh. Christian women have been kidnapped, raped, and forced to marry Muslim men. Those suspected of evangelizing Muslims are brutally beaten.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Bangladesh
Believer’s Home Seized
This summer in BANGLADESH an influential Muslim seized the home of a Christian. When police officials summoned Christians and Muslims to resolve the issue, the believers were treated unfairly and two pastors were beaten. The house was recovered, but the man who stole it escaped unpunished.
Praise God that the land has been restored. Pray that the believers’ lives will be a witness to the gospel. “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
Charges Filed against Believers
UPDATE: In BANGLADESH charges have again been filed against two Christians and four of their friends for “hurting religious sensibility.” Reportedly the case was filed to stop Christian activities and to harass the believers.
Pray that the charges will be dropped. “I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations.”
Hundreds Come to Christ
Our ministry partner, Pastor "Tarak" in BANGLADESH, reports that in the space of three months over 500 people were saved and over 300 baptized through his ministry.
Praise God for the many former Muslims who have come to Christ! “They are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand.”
Christians Harassed, Beaten
In April in BANGLADESH, a group of Muslim young men harassed Christian girls. They fought against a Christian young man who tried to defend the girls. Days later they found him again and beat him severely.
Ask God to comfort the believers. Pray that their attackers will come to know Jesus. “For by grace you have been saved through faith.”
Imprisoned Christians Exonerated
Six Christians in BANGLADESH were imprisoned for three days this spring on fabricated charges of “hurting religious feelings.” As volunteer health care workers, they had assisted a Christian volunteer doctor who offered his patients Christian leaflets and Bibles.
Praise God that the case against them was dismissed! “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.”
Evangelist Exonerated
An evangelist in BANGLADESH was sentenced to one year in prison for “creating chaos at a religious gathering.” The man, described as gentle and polite, was distributing Christian literature on a street near an Islamic event. At his appeal in March, a judge exonerated him and ordered his release.
Praise God! “He brought me out into a broad place, He rescued me because He delighted in me.”
Evangelist Beaten and Robbed
An evangelist in BANGLADESH was beaten and robbed. He was accused of being a Christian and of making other people Christians by feeding them pork and letting them disrespect the Koran. Muslims scattered the seeds that he sells to support himself and took the money he had borrowed to buy more seeds. He does not think he will be able to rebuild his business.
Pray that God will provide for him. Pray also that his neighbors will understand the Gospel. “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
Pastor Accused, Bibles Destroyed
On October 26, Muslims barged into a prayer meeting in INDIA and accused the pastor of forceful conversion. They tore Bibles and damaged household items. Police then arrested the pastor and charged him with “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage the religious feelings of others.” He is now released on bail.
Pray that the charges against him will be dropped. “Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.”
Baptism Prevented, Bibles Destroyed
In BANGLADESH, a Christian family planning to be baptized in September was prevented by Muslims who beat them and filed false charges against them. Still the Muslim background believers refused to return to Islam. Muslims burned and tore Bibles and ripped hymnals in their home, where a house church normally meets. The head of the household has been released on bail.
Pray that the charges against the family will be dropped. “He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives…”
Father and Son Attacked
On October 9 in BANGLADESH, a Muslim background believer and his son were beaten for refusing to return to Islam. Now his neighbors will not let him work on their farms.
Pray that God will provide for him. “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?”