Persecution of Christians in Europe
Europe is increasingly the front line in the clash of Islam and Western societal values. As Muslim populations migrate to Euopean countries, stress cracks are appearing as the secular authorities in these nations attempt to deal with irreconcilable differences.
One of the most recent examples of this stress has been the uproar arising from Switzerland's ban on minarets. The world ignores the burning of Christian churches in many Muslim countries while the Swiss restriction on mosque towers is lamented by the media as a lamentable sign of religious intolerance.
Persecution by Muslims in Europe is commonly directed toward those of their own community who hear the the Good News of Jesus Christ and want to leave the bondage of Islam. The alarming rise of Orwellian-named "honor killings" attest to the degree to which European Muslims seek to escape the darkness of Islam.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Europe
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.”
Provision for a Church in Turkey
At the point of signing a contract to rent space for a church, one of our ministry partners in TURKEY was turned away by a landlord who feared Muslim neighbors might cause trouble. But God provided another location for the church to meet.
Thank Him for His provision! “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
Pastor Threatened, Converts Struggle
A pastor in TURKEY says that he and other pastors receive continual threats by phone and mail. His friend who became a Christian worried about his employment, because in many jobs like his workers can be expected to lie. The pastor says, “It is very difficult for Christians to find a job.”
Ask God to give the pastor and MBBs courage. “For it was fitting that He, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.”
Convert Pressured by Family
One of our ministry partners in TURKEY reports that a Muslim background believer he has been discipling is facing pressure from family members because of his faith in Jesus.
Pray that this young man will be strong in the Lord. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Hope on the Radio
Our ministry partner in West Africa began a radio station that reaches over 2 million listeners. One of those listeners is “Abibata,” who converted to Christianity from Islam several years ago. She was struggling in her morning devotions and Christian life. God used the radio ministry to strengthen her with Christian songs, Bible lessons, and preaching.
Convert Attacked, Threatened
A believer from a Muslim background at an asylum reception center in NORWAY was struck with a pot of boiling water. After Muslims at the center noticed that he did not observe Ramadan and was a Christian, they had threatened to kill him. In addition to disfiguring him with the boiling water, they trashed his room and covered the door handle with acid.
Pray for protection and courage. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.”
Land to be Returned
In August, the government of TURKEY announced that certain Christians will be permitted to apply for the recovery of properties that were confiscated many years ago.
Pray that the process will be just and that Christians will have restored to them their schools, hospitals, churches, cemeteries, stores, factories, and houses. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Teacher Silenced
A Christian teacher in the UK was asked by a student whether the God of Christianity and god of Islam are the same God. She answered that they are not. When the student asked how they are different, the teacher explained her faith without trying to give offense. The students’ Muslim parents complained, and now the teacher is forbidden from sharing her faith, even if students ask a religious question.
Ask God to encourage the teacher and give her wisdom. “You are the LORD, You alone.”
Church Scorned
After seven years of trying to get a license from the local government, a house church in TURKEY finally succeeded in being recognized as a place of worship. Soon afterward, a government official criticized new churches, calling them “stooges for Zionist activities.” Believers feel they are seen as deceivers who have a secret agenda.
Pray for perseverance for this congregation. “Nevertheless, in Your great mercies You did not make an end of them or forsake them, for You are a gracious and merciful God.”
Believer in Danger
One of our ministry partners in TURKEY is in a dangerous situation and requests prayer for wisdom and protection. He boldly shares the gospel with Muslims, despite opposition.
Please pray with him that he and his family will not be made captive by fear. “O Lord, let Your ear be attentive...to the prayer of Your servants who delight to fear Your name.”
