Persecution of Christians in Asia
Islam is entrenched in Asia from the southern former Soviet "republics" to the island archipelagos of Indonesia and the Philippines. The severity of persecution of Christians varies, but some of the worst treatment comes from allegedly Western-looking nations like Turkey and Pakistan.
As Islam grows more powerful in Asia, countries are enacting laws hostile to Christianity and Christians. This enables Muslims to use police and judicial authorities to harass Christians. Even the tiny Maldives -- a seemingly island paradise in the Indian Ocean -- regards Islam as the only "accepted" religion, making Christians outlaws!
The Taliban of Afghanistan and Pakistan is one of the most recognized Islamic groups, but its violence toward Christians is masked by its uncontrolled hostility to any person or group that resists its bloody fist.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Asia
Unshaken Trust
Arif Ferguson and his family lost their jobs and are in hiding because a regional branch of the Taliban threatens to kill him.
Evangelist Receiving Death Threats
An evangelist in PAKISTAN has received death threats after sharing the gospel with Muslims and making a statement to a newspaper condemning the assassination of a Christian leader. He and his family were forced into hiding. He says, “I trust in Jesus. If I die, it will be for Christ.”
Pray for continued courage. “Blessed be the LORD! For He has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.”
Taking Nothing for Granted
Going to church is not something that Christians in Indonesia can take for granted. The GKI Yasmin Church has been struggling to meet for years. In 2008, their permit was revoked.They continued meeting, despite Muslim protests outside of their church.
Churches Targeted
Two churches in INDONESIA were targeted at Christmastime. Muslims yelled and threatened one congregation as its members attempted to hold a Christmas service. Another church was threatened with a cessation order just days before Christmas, and a Muslim group hung a banner near the church supporting a ban on church activities.
Pray that the believers will not be intimidated. “Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!”
Converts Arrested, Beaten
Seven baptized converts from Islam in INDIA were detained and beaten by police on accusations of accepting money to convert. The Muslim background believers say that they converted willingly and deny being bribed. They were released on November 2.
Ask God to strengthen and encourage them in their faith. “He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”
Blasphemy Charges Threatened
Two Christian leaders who spoke out against the misuse of the blasphemy law in PAKISTAN have been threatened with blasphemy charges. They and their families have been forced into hiding.
Ask God to be their strength and refuge. “...they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.”
Churches Threatened with Demolition
Recently an Islamic group called for the demolition of five churches in INDONESIA.
Pray that the congregations will persevere and not become discouraged. “And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…”
Pastor Accused, Arrested
A pastor in INDIA was arrested on November 17 after Muslims accused him of “luring” other Muslims to Christianity. He was released on bail.
Pray for courage for him and his family during this time. “For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.”
Believers Killed and Wounded in Attack
Following a dispute between a Muslim and a Christian in late November, thousands of Muslims attacked Christians in a village in PAKISTAN. Two believers were killed, and three others severely wounded. Over two dozen Christian-owned shops were looted and burned, as well as eight homes.
Pray for comfort and provision for the grieving. “But you have come….to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”
Ministry Seeks Secure Location
One of our ministry partners in TURKEY is searching for a place to hold youth camps this summer. In the past their ministry has faced rejection from camp owners, broken promises, vandalism, and theft.
Ask God to provide a safe and secure location for this year’s camps. “For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”
