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
Beaten, tortured, imprisoned - Pakistani Christian finally released!
We are constantly praying for our brothers and sisters following Christ in Pakistan. Today, we rejoice with Younis Masih. On Wednesday, April 3, a Pakistani court overturned the case against Younis. He was declared innocent of blasphemy and the justices also said he did not have to pay the $1,013 penalty.
Church demolished in Indonesia
On March 21st, another church in Indonesia was destroyed by order of Islamic authorities.
Christians in Taman Sari Village, Indonesia, saw their 13-year-old church building, still under construction, demolished with a backhoe. For years they had tried to "get the right permits," repeatedly trying to get the appropriate authorization so the Huria Kristen Batak Protestant Church could meet legally. And for years they were given the run-around.
Turkish children face hostility from families
TURKEY: Continue to pray for Gokhan, Derman, Ulas, and Yaren (ages 11-15) who all prayed for salvation through Jesus Christ last summer. Ask the Lord to keep the fire of their faith burning strong, even as they wrestle with loneliness and hostility from classmates and family.
Praise God for Respite!
Authorities in UZBEKISTAN have stopped harassing "Paul," a young house-church pastor that Smyrna has helped receive Bible training. Praise God for this respite and ask our King to open doors so that Paul can continue to receive pastoral training and doctrine-focused discipleship.
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. - Colossians 1:9
Disciples in Turkey
Our partners “Amir” and “Ceyda” in TURKEY are discipling several converts from Islam. These new believers have many questions and many needs. Pray for God to provide time and energy to our partners and to protect new converts from their oppressors.
Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God. - Colossians 2:12
Filmmaker threatened with deportation
Although Imram Farasat was granted asylum in Spain to escape threats to his life, he might be deported back to PAKISTAN. Imram is a filmmaker who has spoken up for Christians being persecuted under Islam. “The Bible teaches us to speak the truth in any situation. And…the truth is that Islam is a man-made religion which was created in order to govern the world.”
Pray for Imram to have boldness and endurance in the face of imminent danger and death.
Still praising: 19 Children rescued from human trafficking
Mega praise! On February 3, students from Dhaka university in BANGLADESH rescued 19 Christian children, ages 5 to 12, from a man who was selling them to a madrassa. Binoy Tripura lied to the parents, telling them he was taking their kids to a Christian school, when in reality he was selling them to train as suicide bombers. Praise God that Tripura is in police custody and that these children were rescued!
Pastor saved from killers
Praise from TURKEY! God protected Emre Karaali, the pastor of Izmit Protestant Church, from a plot to kill him. Police arrested 14 suspects who were planning to murder the 33-yr-old convert and his family.
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." – Colossians 2:6-7
Malaysian Christians face censorship
In January, Christians in MALAYSIA were forbidden by the Sultan of the State of Selangor from using the term ‘Allah.’ This Arabic word for God has been used in Bibles in the Malay language and litany for more than 400 years. Muslims say they will organize Bible burning festivals. Pray for the Spirit to overcome discouragement.
God gave me a commission to present to you the word of God in its fullness. - Colossians 1:25
Christian pastor imprisoned in Kazakhstan released!
Praise God! Pastor Makset Djabbarbergenov was released from prison in KAZAKHSTAN. He is now safe in Europe. Pray for God’s protection and blessing over Pastor D., his wife, and three children!
