Compass Keeper

Twenty-four-year-old Christian student Simi Maltida Kim was finishing her last year at Federal Polytechnic in Bauchi state, Nigeria. One of her teachers was determined to convert her to Islam. He summoned her, questioned her for her faith, and brought other students to confront her. He even failed one of her written exams without even looking at it. Her mother says, “This Muslim teacher did this to force our daughter into submitting to recanting her Christian faith, but this did not deter her from remaining firm as a Christian.”

When Simi retook the exam, he tore it up and said that he would never let her pass the course. She reported the continued harassment to school authorities and then planned to return to her home near Jos, Nigeria.

But Simi never arrived at home. Her parents repeatedly tried calling her phone. Once a man they suspected to be a Muslim answered and refused to tell where Simi was. Later a woman answered and said, “Don’t ever call this phone number again--we have killed her, so stop wasting your time looking for her.” Simi’s friends in Bauchi learned that on the day she had planned to leave for home, Muslims had killed several Christians. Her father says, “Her friends were told at the Bauchi motor park that some Christians who had got to the motor park on that day were killed by some militant Muslims.”

Although there is no closure for her parents, their daughter is presumed dead. Please pray for Simi’s friends and family.

“Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.”—Psalm 139:7-10

News Source: Compass Direct News

A Church in Tehran was recently ordered to stop holding its Friday services conducted in the Farsi (Persian) language. Farsi is the country’s official language and is spoken by a majority of Iranians. Islam is the official religion, and in theory Zoroastrians, Christians, and Jews are considered to be “protected” minorities. The government of Iran pretends to allow Christianity, but at the same time it tries to keep a stranglehold on it and prevent more people from becoming Christians. Although some churches in Iran are officially allowed to operate, they face harassment and severe restrictions, including restrictions on allowing converts from Islam into their congregations. Orders against Frasi language services and against Friday meeting times are intended to limit church attendance to the traditional ethnic Armenian and Assyrian Christian communities. (In Iran, many people work on Sundays, and Friday is the normal weekend day.) Most believers have little choice but to meet in unofficial house churches instead.

But the government of Iran is no match for the spread of the gospel. Conversions to Christianity continue, even among seemingly unlikely demographics, such as members of the Iranian armed forces.

Please pray for wisdom and courage for the churches in Iran.

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” – Psalm 31:24

Twenty-two year old Rekha Khatoon was kicked out of her home and beaten because she gave thanks to Jesus for her recovery from an illness. She boldly said, “I will not leave Jesus.”

Please pray for her.

Read her full story here: Compass Direct News

Last month the prayer guide described some of the injustices that Christians in Egypt are facing, including an incident where Muslims tried to kill a Christian named Makarem Diab and got him sentenced to six years in prison for allegedly insulting Mohammed.

A fellow employee at the school where Makarem worked made an unfounded claim that Jesus had inappropriate relationships with at least 10 women. In his reply Makarem used information that even Islamic scholars commonly accept, and reportedly stated to his co-worker that Mohammed had more than four wives. According to another report, his Muslim co-worker insulted the Christian faith, and Makarem replied by asking whether it was true that Mohammed married 40 wives.

After his sentencing, his defense lawyer described the court proceedings: “Over 80 Islamist lawyers representing civil rights claimants filled the court, locked the door of the court from the inside, not allowing the judge out, and prevented me as the defense lawyer from going inside the court and defending my client.”

Later at his scheduled appeal hearing, a similar scene was staged. Muslim lawyers reportedly issued death threats against Christian lawyers who attended court that day. They said they would not allow Christian or Muslim lawyers to defend the accused, and even tried to assault the judge. Another appeal was scheduled for April 5. At that time the judge upheld the sentence. Another appeal is planned.

Please pray for Makarem.

“These things I command you, so that you will love one another. If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” –John 15:17-20

The staff members at Good Samaritan Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan are Christians, but nearly all of their patients are Muslims. According to a police investigator, most Islamic terrorist groups in the region think that Christian organizations are evangelizing “under the guide of charity.”

On March 1, two of the hospital’s staff, Issac Samson and Indrias Javaid, were kidnapped. Sometimes terrorists kidnap for ransom, but as of the last report no ransom demand had been issued.

This story brings to mind Elizabeth Kendal’s analysis of “fitna,” or that which could shake the faith of a Muslim. The world literally means ‘trial,’ ‘persecution,’ or ‘temptation,’ but in practice the word does not mean what most people think of by ‘persecution.’ For example, someone who has turned from Islam, who is thriving in their new faith, and who may lead others to follow their example is considered to be a source of fitna. Kendal writes,

Fitna is anything at all, from vile torture to magnetic grace, that could tempt a Muslim to leave Islam. Fitna is the presence of a church.... Fitna is Christian benevolence and humanitarianism (which is why Christian aid groups are increasingly under fire). Fitna is the very existence of thriving, joyous Christians when Islam mandates that Christians be subjugated, vulnerable, miserable dhimmis. In Islam, fitna is equated with persecution, which must be eliminated.

Interestingly, while the concepts of shaking one’s faith and persecution are so closely associated Islam, the Bible presents a different picture of how persecution affects genuine Christian faith:

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ….. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of the glory of God rests upon you. –1 Peter 1:6-7; 4:12-14

Please pray for the safe release of these Christian hospital workers in Pakistan. Pray also that they will be strong in their faith and that their love for others will lead others to Christ.

Deeper Life Bible Church in Gomb, Nigeria, is located right next to a mosque. On the evening of Thursday, January 5, gunmen emerged from the mosque and attacked the church during a prayer service. Nine people were killed and nineteen wounded.

Church member Silas Ugboeze was in a coma for three days before he eventually died. His daughter and son were both wounded in the attack. At the hospital his widow said, “Lord, where are you? This burden is too much for me to bear.”

But the story does not end there. Hundreds of people attended the martyrs’ funeral service. Many in attendance came to know Christ. Believers rededicated their lives. And they prayed. For four hours, they prayed for their country, the church in Nigeria, Muslims in Nigeria, and the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram. According to Voice of the Martyrs Canada, the death of these nine martyrs has sparked a revival at the church in Gomb.

Please pray for these believers.

“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up in life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.”—2 Corinthians 5:1-9

We are excited to report that several Iranian Christians have been released on bail! Farhad, Naser, and Davoud were arrested with other church members during a church raid in Ahwaz, Iran (alternatively spelled Ahvaz). Everyone present at the Friday worship service--including children--was arrested. Most of the church members were released within hours, and the pastor’s wife was temporarily released ten days later. But Farhad, Naser, and Davoud remained in prison, waiting.

Pastor Farhad was denied access to a doctor and necessary medical treatment while in prison. He and Naser were released on bail on February 21. After his release Pastor Farhad continued to suffer physically and emotionally from his time in jail. After Smyrna’s prayer guide went to print, we received news that Davoud was also released on bail on March 8. (He was the final church member that remained in prison from the December 23rd raid.)

Farhad pastored an officially recognized church in Ahwaz. He had previously been detained and warned not to allow converts from Islam into his church. 

Iran’s few officially registered churches primarily serve Armenian and Assyrian congregation members in their own languages. The government recently ordered that two churches in Tehran stop holding Farsi language services on Fridays. Friday is the main day off for Iranians, and Farsi is the language of most Iranians from a Muslim background. Middle East Concern writes, “The order to stop Farsi services is consistent with the authorities’ policy of restricting Christian activities to these traditional [Armenian and Assyrian] communities.”

The new restrictions have cut these churches’ attendance by half. The Friday services had attracted converts from Islam and Muslims interested in Christianity.

These two churches in Tehran also recently underwent pressure to give officials the national identity numbers of Christians. Compass Direct reports, “As a result, many Christians from these churches, as well as the Central Church of Tehran, have lost their jobs.”

Please pray for Christians in Iran.

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

A Christian widow and three of her daughters are facing deportation to Afghanistan after twice applying for asylum in India. According to International Christian Concern, “there is no evidence to suggest that the situation for Christians [in Afghanistan] is improving, but every indication that it is only getting worse. Deporting the Christian widow and her three daughters back to Afghanistan will lead to inevitable hardship, if not imprisonment or even death.”

These Christian women are not alone in their plight. Christians in Afghanistan are reportedly tortured and murdered by Islamic terrorists or imprisoned on false charges. Previously six Christian converts from Islam were denied refugee status in India despite their fear that they would be sentenced to death if they returned to Afghanistan. Two Afghan refugees in the UK who were issued a deportation order also feared for their lives. One said that if the Taliban doesn’t execute him for his faith, his family will. The other, a new believer, had been ostracized by Muslim Afghans and feared that he would also be killed. Another convert from Islam was denied refugee status in India along with other believers. They were forced into hiding and feared deportation and execution. Yet another convert fled Afghanistan for India after an arrest warrant was issued for his conversion. He said that he and fellow refugees have no legal protection and face harassment and attacks from both Indian and Afghan Muslims.

Please pray for these Afghan refugees.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”—1 Peter 1:3-7

On the edge of northern Sudan that boarders the new nation of South Sudan, the Islamic Arab government of Khartoum has been killing the local Christian African tribes for months now. The situation is being described as ethnic cleansing, and more than half of the residents have been killed or displaced. Military forces blocked the escape of starving refugees trying to move south. The president of northern Sudan has also blocked humanitarian aid from getting to the Christians. A possible escape route was opened in late February, but the situation remains critical.

Brad Phillips of the Persecution Project Foundation reports,

The military battles rage on in Darfur, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States as Khartoum attempts to subdue or exterminate its indigenous African populations. Daily bombardment of civilian areas and economic isolation is widening the humanitarian crisis and causing a flood of refugees to pour across into South Sudan.

Dr. Susan Rice, U.S. Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, forecast that the crisis in the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile regions will reach a Level 4 Humanitarian Crisis before the end of March, 2012 — affecting the lives of an estimated 500,000 people unless a massive intervention by the international community takes place.

Elizabeth Kendal compares the current situation to the government-engineered famine in the Nuba Mountains in the early 1990s. At that time the Nuba people were placed in concentration camps and told that they must convert to Islam in order to receive food. Kendal writes, “Forced thus to choose between Islam and starvation, hundreds of thousands of Nuba chose starvation.”

Pray that the Nuba people will not be forced to make this choice again.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 5:6-11

Some of you have been following the story of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani (alternatively spelled Youcef) for several years now. He was arrested in 2009 and sentenced to death for apostasy in 2010. Since then his case has been passed from court to court, sent to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameni for review, and stalled by the head of Iran’s judiciary. Throughout the case, verbal reports have often preceded official written decisions.

By February reports began to surface claiming that Youcef’s execution order had been issued. On February 20 an Iranian church official received news of the execution order. He said, “Officially his lawyer still needs to receive a notification first, but nobody keeps the law in Iran." The situation was critical, because at any time he could be executed. It was not clear whether he would have the right to appeal the execution order. His lawyers and church leadership sought written confirmation of the reports. Some denied that his execution had been ordered, and others claimed that the order had been postponed. Others thought that the government might be purposely spreading misinformation.

Uncertainty remained because in Iran executions are sometimes carried out without any prior notice being given to the attorney or the family. Uncertainty still lingers. As the days pass, it appears that Yousef’s execution is being further delayed. But why and for how long we do not know. The death penalty against him still stands. The Iranian government is unpredictable, and could act when we least expect it. Please pray for Yousef and for his family.

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”—2 Corinthians 4:6-10

Those who receive Smyrna’s prayer guide have been praying for Pastor Ilmurad Nurliev in Turkmenistan for well over a year. In November 2010 we prayed for him when he was denied medical treatment in prison and was being held in an over-crowded cell. In December 2010 we prayed for him after he was given a four-year prison sentence. Then in February 2011 we prayed again when we heard that because of his faith he was denied amnesty. Last summer we prayed for his congregation, which was threatened not to meet. Now we are glad to report that Pastor Ilmurad Nurliev has been freed!

Despite evidence that the “witnesses” against him were lying, Pastor Nurliev was found guilty of swindling in 2010. The verdict against him also stated that “witnesses” had accused him of insulting Islam and Mohammed. While in prison he was not allowed to have a copy of the Bible, even though Muslim imams were allowed copies of the Koran.

His recent release was sudden and unexpected. Only the night before did he learn that he would be granted amnesty. He will continue to face restrictions, and will have to report to the police each week.

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for him! If you would like to find out how you can receive the prayer guide, click here. 

“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man!” –Psalm 107:13-15

On February 21 in Kermanshah, Iran, authorities raided a house church and arrested thirteen Christian converts. The believers were reportedly insulted and abused, their homes were searched, and some of their belongings were confiscated. Nine of them were released the next day after being photographed, fingerprinted, pressured to sign a document stating that they would not attend Christian gatherings in the future. Another believer, Ms. Azadeh Sharifi, was released after eight days in prison. Three others remain in jail. Their names are Mehdi Chaghakaboudi, Mojtaba Baba Karami, and Shirin Ghanbari. and 

On February 22, Iranian authorities conducted coordinated raids in Isfahan and arrested at least six Christians, including Pastor Hikmat Salimi and a 78-year-old woman. At least five of these believers remain in prison following these arrests.

Pastor Hikmat Salimi’s home just outside of Isfahan (alternatively spelled Esfahan) was raided early in the morning before he left the house. His home was searched and his Bibles, theological books, CDs, computer, and pictures were confiscated. This Farsi-speaking pastor had previously been banned from traveling abroad and was summoned repeatedly for interrogations with the police. In the past he was also arrested for his faith, but that time he was later freed on bail.

78-year-old Giti Hakimpour was also arrested early in the morning on February 22. Loved ones were especially anxious about her health and safety. Prior to her arrest, she had undergone surgery and needed special care. After three days she was released and her passport, Bibles, and other property were returned to her.

Please pray for those who have been arrested and held in prison in Iran.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” –Hebrews 10:23-25

On February 8, Iranian authorities raided a house church in Shiraz and arrested the converts from Islam who were worshiping together. The precise number of those arrested is uncertain. Compass Direct News reported between 6 and 10 Christians were taken and later revised the number to 10.  Assist News and Elizabeth Kendal report the number at 10, while Middle East Concern reports 8. Initially their location was kept secret and they were not allowed contact with their families. Many of them spent several days in solitary confinement and then were held in a prison ward with murderers and thieves.

Mojtaba Hosseini was among those arrested. He had been arrested previously in 2008 on charges of “having a Christian faith.” Authorities had probably been watching him since then. Others arrested include a woman named Sharifeh, two men named Kourosh and Masoud, a 17-year-old young man named Nima, and his parents, Fariba and Hamayoun. They were reportedly mistreated, their homes were searched, and their Bibles, CDs, Christian books, computers, faxes, and satellite TV receivers were confiscated.

On the same day authorities detained Maasis Mosesian, an elder of a church in Tehran. The man is known for his kindness. He regularly visits hospitals and encourages lonely and forgotten people. He was arrested suddenly while at work one day, and his family was denied access to him or even an explanation of why he was being held. On February 16 he was released on bail. In order to obtain this temporary freedom, his family mortgaged two title deeds. He has also lost his job. Now he is waiting for his day in court, which could be months or years away.

On March 14, three of the believers arrested in Shiraz were released on bail. These three (Sharifeh Dookh, Masoud Golrooyan, and 17-year-old Nima Shokouhi) were told to pay approximately $100,000 each. Now they are awaiting their next hearing. Mojtaba Houseini, Homayoun Shokoohi, Mohammad-Reza Partoei (Kourosh), Vahid Hakkani, and Fariba Nazemian remain detained. They are reportedly being denied bail and may face trail sometime in April.

Please pray for these Christians.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” –Colossians 4:2-4

What was the crime for which Raheel Arif lost his position at work, received death threats from Muslims, almost had his child kidnapped, almost had his house burned, and was forced to abandon his home? This Christian vice principle dared to share the Gospel with Muslim students in Pakistan. Despite all of the threats on him and his family, law enforcement avoided taking action and simply told him to “make peace” with the attackers.

Pray for him in the struggles that he faces.

“And He said to all, ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?’”—Luke 9:23-25

The stories like that of evangelist James Kat are becoming increasingly common. James was arrested, beaten, and then released on bail in (north) Sudan. The north is becoming an increasingly dangerous place for Christians. Click here to see an overview of just a few of the recent persecution incidents against Christians in Sudan.

Please pray for James and for believers like him!

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” –Galatians 6:9

Smyrna’s ministry partner “Dev” and his wife “Hansa” don’t give up. As Smyrna’s founder explained on his blog, Dev and Hansa shared the gospel for 22 years in India without a single convert. They still kept on sharing God’s word and did not give in to discouragement. God blessed their faithfulness. By the time someone from Smyrna visited Dev in 2009, he was discipling and training roughly 169 Muslim-background families!

Every new convert is exciting news. Choosing to be baptized is a serious decision for someone from a Muslim background, since increased persecution often follows baptism in Muslim-dominant regions. Please pray for the convert who was recently baptized in India.

If you want to learn more about how you can get involved with Dev’s ministry, click on the following links:

India: Adult Literacy

India: Women’s Vocational Training

India: Literacy, Teens/Pre-teens

“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.”—1 Corinthians 3:4-8

Zakaria Hussein Omar was beheaded by members of the Islamic group al Shabaab on January 2. They left his body lying in the open, where it was found 20 hours later. The friend who identified the body said, “We have been communicating with Omar, and he was sharing with me his life as a Christian. Last year he mentioned to me that his life was in danger when the NGO [Non-Governmental Organization] he worked for was banned by the al Shabaab.”

Zakaria had worked for a Christian humanitarian organization. He became a Christian seven years ago while staying with relatives in Ethiopia. He and his wife had been married for just over a year before he was martyred. Please pray for her and for the rest of his family.

Al Shabaab recently joined forces with Al-Qaeda. International Christian Concern reports that the move will likely lead to a worsening of persecution of Christians in Somalia. To learn more about persecution in Somalia, click here. 

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, not pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” –Revelation 21:4

Before the referendum last year on whether South Sudan would be a separate country from (north) Sudan, thousands of Christians fled the north. In the weeks leading up to the election and after the results of the vote were announced, we prayed for Christians in the north, who would likely face a tightening of Sharia law. Later a “wave of hatred” against Christians in the north was reported, and President Omar al-Bashir declared that (north) Sudan would be 100% Arab and Muslim. He also said that the constitution would be changed to make Islam the only religion and Sharia the only law.  

President Omar al-Bashir reiterated his commitment to Sharia law before a cheering crowd on January 3. Compass Direct News reports on the increasingly dangerous situation:

Christians are facing growing threats from both Muslim communities and Islamist government officials who have long wanted to rid Sudan of Christianity, Christian leaders told Compass. They said Christianity is now regarded as a foreign religion following the departure of 350,000 people, most of them Christians, to South Sudan following the July 9, 2011 secession.

Church leaders have specifically been targeted. In January, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Guidance and Religious Endowment wrote in a letter to Christian leaders, “We will take legal procedures against pastors who are involved in preaching or evangelistic activities. We have all legal rights to take them to court.” Around the same time the government issued a decree that church leaders must provide their names and contact information.

Please pray that these believers will remain faithful in their witness.

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to Your servants to continue to speak Your word with all boldness.”—Acts 4:29

A high-ranking security official in Saudi Arabia reportedly mocked imprisoned Ethiopian Christians, saying, “You are non-believers and animals. You are pro-Jews and supporters of America.” The prisoners replied, “We love everyone. Our God tells us to love everyone.”

Loving everyone is no easy task for these believers. In an interview posted by International Christian Concern on You Tube, one of the women testified, “We didn’t receive proper medical attention. I was taken to the medical facility because of my heart problem and diabetes. The doctor told the nurse not to draw any blood because of my conditions. Then the nurse replied, ‘There is no need to worry. If she dies we will put her in a trash bin.’ I replied, ‘I’m not an animal, I’m a human being.’ She told me to shut up.” The prisoners also report being physically abused and humiliated in other ways.

Officials even sent a Muslim preacher to try to convert the prisoners to Islam. He tried to vilify Christianity. Nevertheless, they refused to deny their faith.

According to some reports, the Christians could be deported. The prisoners say that they have not been told of any such order, and do not know how long they will remain in prison.

Please pray for these believers!

To read the background story on how they were imprisoned, click here.

“But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” –1 Thessalonians 5:8