Blogs and Articles
Violence in Upper Egypt
According to the Assyrian International News Agency, Coptic contractor Moawad Asaad refused to pay protection money to Ahmed Saber, a Muslim racketeer. Three days later Ahmed showed up at Moawad's house. When Moawad refused to pay him or even speak with him, four men with machine guns got out of Ahmed's car and shot Moawad. They also shot his son, Asaad Moawad, a 26-year-old engineer. Father and son died immediately.
Waiting
Yousef Fallah Ranjbar, an Iranian Christian refugee seeking asylum in Turkey, has been waiting for years—first for his asylum case to be considered, and then for his attacker to be taken to court.
Targeting Christians in Sudan
On February 1, 2012, Sudanese Airforce planes dropped eight bombs on Heiban Bible College, a Christian school near the border of South Sudan. Franklin Graham, whose organization Samaritan's Purse built the classrooms, dormitories, kitchens, and staff housing, said the attacks were part of north Sudan's broader campaign to destroy Christians. "They're targeting civilian areas. It's not just our Bible school, but they go after hospitals, they go after food distribution centers.
Convert Murdered in Somalia
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.”
Imprisoned for Christ in Iran
Leila Mohammadi has a first-hand knowledge of the Iranian government's hatred of Christianity. In 2011, security agents raided her home and arrested her. She was detained and imprisoned for 5 months in harsh conditions, including 74 days in solitary confinement at the Evin prison. On December 28, 2011, she was released on a bail of $150,000 USD.
Faithful
Our ministry partner “Amir” and his wife “Ceyda” are faithful church planters and evangelists in Turkey. They have faced numerous threats and dangers, but have prayed about their fears and stand bold in their witness. They are truly a remarkable couple. Please pray for them during the most recent challenges that they face.
Sudanese Church under Threat
Before the referendum last year on whether South Sudan would be a separate country from (north) Sudan, thousands of Christians fled the north.
The Shadow of Death
In Syria, Christians are caught in volatile and dangerous circumstances. Many are being targeted by Muslim rebels who are shooting, kidnapping, and murdering them. Today, we pray for the family and friends of Basilios Nassar, a church leader who was shot in the chest while trying to help a wounded man. .
Survivors Desperately Seek Loved Ones in Jos, Nigeria Blast
After a suicide bombing on March 11 in Jos, Nigeria, Christians tell their heartbreaking stories of how they searched for family members among the disfigured remains. One widower identified his wife by her wedding ring. Several boys and men gave their lives to save other church members. A 16-year-old's uncle said, “He and others refused to allow the bombers into the church premises. Their refusal to allow the bombers into the church forced the bombers to detonate the bomb outside the church gate.
Pakistani Woman Charged with ‘Blasphemy’ for Refusing Islam
A Pakistani Christian woman was accused of blasphemy after she refused to convert to Islam. She was arrested on February 28 and could remain in custody for a long time, despite the lack of evidence against her. If convicted, she faces the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Kidnappings in Pakistan
Approximately 700 Christian girls are kidnapped by Muslims and forcibly married in Pakistan every year. If they escape and return to their families, they can be considered to be apostates, worthy of death.
Persecution in Perspective
On January 19, in the Upper Egyptian village of Rahmaniya-Kebly, a Muslim mob torched homes, straw huts and shops belonging to Christians. The destruction was punctuated by chants of Allahu Akbar, and strangely enough, local authorities and fire-fighters took an hour and a half to respond to the Christian’s pleas for emergency aid. The mob’s goal seems to have been voter intimidation and to seize new land for a mosque (although there are more than 300 mosques in the village and only one church).
Light Years
I don’t know the distance to the Third Heaven where God dwells, but astronomers tell us that the most distant planet they have “discovered” is 21,500 light years away...and a single light year is 5.88 trillion miles in length!!!! Figure that one out. It's awesome!!!
Determined to Love
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.”
Praying for Protection and Asylum for Ethiopian Convert
Today, we're praising God for Barack Hussein Kedir, an Ethiopian Christian who has suffered much persecution for the sake of Christ. We are also praying for the Lord's protection on him and his family, and that they will be granted asylum on May 17.
Here's his story:
