Asia
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.”
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…”
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.
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 In 2008, their permit was revoked.They continued meeting, despite Muslim protests outside of their church.
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.”
Roads to Church Blocked
UPDATE: Muslims have blocked a congregation in INDONESIA from all roads accessing church property. The believers were recently forced to meet in a member’s home.
Thank God for their perseverance. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”
Land Seizure, Believers Attacked
In PAKISTAN on November 25, Muslims attempting to seize Christians’ land beat two women and shot at others who came to their aid.
Ask God to encourage and strengthen them. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
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.”
Evangelist Shot to Death
A Christian evangelist was shot to death by suspected Islamists in November in PAKISTAN. Pray that his testimony will lead many to Christ.
Ask God to comfort and provide for his widow and children. “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”
Believer Threatened with Arrest
A Muslim background believer who fled Afghanistan after an arrest warrant was issued for his conversion is now being threatened with arrest in INDIA. He says that he and fellow refuges have no legal protection and face harassment and attacks from both Indian and Afghan Muslims.
Ask God to protect the Muslim background believers and give them courage. “So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time...to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.”
Christians Watched, Denied Aid
The earthquakes in TURKEY last fall created a dangerous situation for over 150 Christian Iranian asylum seekers. They were often denied aid, and agents of the Iranian government watched aid stations to identify refugees. UN refugee facilities in the region closed down. Many of the destitute were forced to seek help in other cities, despite the legal trouble they could face for leaving their assigned city.
God’s Protection in India
UPDATE: Our ministry partner in INDIA thanks people for praying for his regional coordinator who was threatened and says that situation seems to be under control at present. Ministry in the area is continuing.
Thank God for his protection! “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”
Christian Couple Arrested, Beaten
In PAKISTAN this November, a Christian man and his pregnant wife were arrested on false accusations from Muslims and beaten for three days. They refused pressure to confess falsely or convert to Islam. They have been robbed, have lost their jobs, and could face further court proceedings.
Pray for provision and the recovery of their health. “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God…”
Girl Escapes Captors
A 12-year-old Christian has escaped her captors in PAKISTAN! On Christmas Eve last year, she was kidnapped by Muslims, raped, and tricked into signing what she later learned were marriage papers. She was also beaten for refusing to convert to Islam. After eight months she escaped and is now in hiding with her family.
Ask God to comfort them and give them strength. “Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
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.”
Christian’s Life in Danger
Our ministry partner in INDIA reports that one of his regional coordinators has been threatened and questioned by Muslims and has to move constantly. The situation is especially dangerous because the coordinator’s predecessor was martyred.
Pray for courage and protection. “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.”
Church Faces Opposition
UPDATE: A church in INDONESIA continues to face opposition from local Muslims, despite a Supreme Court decision granting the congregation a building permit. Since 2008, the congregation has been meeting in the street by their half-finished building.
Pray that the believers will continue to persevere. “But You are the same, and Your years will have no end.”
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.”
Christian Brothers Kidnapped
In PAKISTAN, two Christian brothers were kidnapped by their employers, who routinely abused them and are now demanding a ransom for their release.
Ask God to free the captives and to give the family wisdom and strength. “So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He guaranteed it with an oath…”
Our Refuge and Strength
An incredible story came out of the earthquake zone in Turkey earlier this year. As the quake shook a church building on that Sunday afternoon, people rushed outside. Throughout the region, many people were killed and trapped inside fallen buildings. But the pastor of this church went back toward the building’s wall and started praying. He prayed that it would survive and stand as a witness. God answered his prayer. The church became a refuge and a center for aid to the community. God is good!
