Persecution of Christians in the Middle East
Persecution of Christians in many of the Muslim-dominated countries of the Middle East is frequent, widespread, and violent. The pervasiveness of sharia law enables religious and secular authorities to act in concert and makes sharing the Gospel extremely hazardous. Muslims who make the choice for eternal life with Christ know that all too frequently it is a decision for an end to their life on earth.
This antagonism toward Christians is unsurprising in many Middle Eastern countries, especially such as Iran, whose governments and religious establishments are openly hostile to the West. Other countries, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, whose governments are much less hostile, still tolerate and encourage persecution of Christians within their borders.
Perhaps the most disappointing and alarming situation for Christians in the Middle East today is in the country of Iraq, however. This nation, even though on a slow and rocky road toward democracy, still harbors rampant persecution. The sheer volume of persecution incidents reported in Iraq is stunning -- particularly in relation to the frequency of reports comding from other countries. Part of the answer for this may be that the increasingly open society makes dissemination of these incidents more rapid and common.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in the Middle East
What Makes Iran Scared?
What is the government of Iran afraid of?
A senior general of the Islamic police said, “We must be on guard to find out the reasons behind this massive and country-wide distribution of the Bible.” He called the distribution “illegal” and accused Christian businessmen of being involved.
In seven Iranian cities, Christians were summoned by the state security, interrogated, and threatened that they would be called back again.
Christians Summoned, Threatened
Christians in seven cities in IRAN were ordered to report to security centers where they were interrogated and warned that they will be called in again. Authorities have also been collecting information on Christian-owned businesses in an effort to find those responsible for distributing the Bible.
Pray that Iranian believers will stand strong in the Lord. “The LORD is the strength of His people.”
Arrested for the Name of Christ
Mina Talaat did not attend the protest in Maspero, Egypt, but he was arrested anyway because of his faith. His mother says, "Mina was stopped by a soldier, who called a group of 20 people to come quickly, as he had found a Christian. The group beat Mina with short leather batons until his jaw was broken and he had to hold it back with his hand. He also had wounds in the head requiring 12 stitches."
Why was this man arrested and beaten for his faith?
Imprisoned Believers Released
UPDATE: Believers falsely held in prison in EGYPT were finally released, most pending further investigations. They were arrested after the Egyptian military fired on Christians and ran over them with armored vehicles during the protest of a church demolition. Believers are thankful for the release of the innocent, but disappointed at the lack of justice for the Christians’ deaths, which are being treated as accidents caused by “neglect.”
Couple Attacked, Driven from Country
UPDATE: A Christian couple released from prison in IRAN last year was attacked, denied employment, put under surveillance, and forced to leave the country.
Pray that God will use them and bless them in the country where they are refugees. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
Islamists Rising to Power in Egypt
As Islamist groups rise to power in EGYPT, Christians are concerned about increasing persecution.
Ask God to give them wisdom and courage in knowing how the church should respond to mounting pressure. “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.”
Christian-Owned Businesses Attacked
This December in the Kurdistan region of IRAQ, an imam’s Friday sermon reportedly inspired Muslims to attack local businesses, many of which were owned by Christians. Muslims chanted jihad and anti-Christian slogans during the attacks. Some area residents retaliated. Hundreds of Christian families are now afraid because of the volatile situation.
Ask God to encourage the believers and give them wisdom in how to respond. “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.”
Hundreds Come to Christ in Egypt
Our ministry partner in EGYPT reports that over 400 people accepted Christ in the outreach event where they were recently working.
Praise God for His salvation! “Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
Continued Arrests Expected in Iran
In IRAN this winter believers are expecting another wave of imprisonments. Last year over 120 Christians were arrested.
Ask God to protect believers and give them strength in Him. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
Church Leader Faithful in Prison
A house church leader in IRAN has been in prison since Christmas Eve 2010. He has withstood authorities’ pressure to make him abandon his faith and evangelism efforts. After sharing the gospel with fellow prisoners, he was transferred to another prison and threatened with the death penalty.
Pray for courage and for his release. “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”
