.The Weekly Persecution & Prayer Alert

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

.The Weekly Persecution & Prayer Alert

The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada

Thursday, August 18, 2011

"The tests of life are to make, not break us. Trouble may demolish a man's business
but build up his character. The blow at the outward man may be the greatest blessing
to the inner man. If God, then, puts or permits anything hard in our lives,
be sure that the real peril, the real trouble, is that we shall lose if we flinch or rebel."
- Maltbie Davenport Babcock

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In this week's edition: reports from Egypt, Uganda, China, Cuba and Iran.
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1. Christian killed, others injured in mob attack in Egypt
(Source: Compass Direct)

A Christian was killed and several others were injured by a mob of Muslims who recently attacked the predominantly Christian village of Nazlet Faragallah in Al-Minya, Upper Egypt. The attack was reportedly sparked by an August 6 argument between a Muslim man and a Coptic Christian woman. The nature of the argument could not be confirmed, but several Christian men allegedly came to the aid of the woman, ending the dispute. Several hours later, a group of Muslims arrived at the village church and started pelting congregants with rocks as they left the building. The Christians responded in kind. Several people suffered cuts and bruises, and some of the windows of the church building were broken.

The next day, Muslims armed with long swords and guns then rampaged through the community, looting and burning several homes and businesses belonging to Christians. At least eight homes were torched to the ground. A Christian farmer, Maher Nassif (46), was killed when he tried to defend his home. The men then looted the home and stole Maher's livestock as his teenage son, who witnessed the attack, escaped into the night. The violence raged on until the next morning.

According to villagers, tension between Muslims and Christians has intensified in the country since the revolution earlier this year. One local Christian blamed worsened relations on the increased radicalization of certain Muslims in Egypt who want to "complete their faith by killing Christians."

Pray that the Christians in this region will not be ruled by fear but trust in Christ (1 Peter 3:14-15). Pray that those who mourn for Maher will find comfort in the fact that Christ has triumphed over death and that those who die in the Lord will be raised with Him (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Ask God to equip Egyptian Christians to demonstrate His peace and grace, even to those who target them for their faith.

For more on the trials facing Christians in Egypt, visit www.persecution.net/egypt.htm.
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2. Ugandan Christian brutally imprisoned by Muslim father
(Source: Compass Direct)

A 14-year-old girl in western Uganda remains in frail health 10 months after her father tortured her for leaving Islam for Christianity. In March 2010, Susan Ithungu came to faith in Christ after an evangelist came to speak at her school in Isango village, Kasese district. A month later, news reached Susan's father that she had converted to Christianity. He warned her and her brother, Mbusa Baluku, against attending church or listening to the gospel message, threatening to kill them in broad daylight if they embraced Christianity. Susan was then locked in a room with no sunlight. Her brother was warned against telling anyone of her imprisonment, but would secretly bring her food and water.

In October 2010, Mbusa finally told the neighbours about his sister's situation. They then reported the case to the authorities and police freed her. Susan was extremely weak and unable to walk or talk. "Her hair had turned yellow, she had long fingernails and sunken eyes, and she looked very slim, less than 20 kilograms," said one pastor. Her father was arrested shortly afterward but quickly released. At last report, Susan was still struggling with her health -- unable to walk, but able to talk and eat soft foods. "The great news is that Susan is still strong in the Lord Jesus Christ," the pastor said. "She needs prayers and support, so that she can resume her education soon."

Thank God for Susan's rescue and pray for her continued healing. Pray many Christians will be emboldened by her story of persevering faith and confidence in Christ (Hebrews 10:32-39). Pray for safety for her brother. Ask God to bring her father to repentance and that he, too, will come to know Christ as Lord.
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3. House church members targeted in China
(Source: ChinaAid Association)

Chinese authorities have recently targeted several Christians involved in house church activities.

On August 11, approximately 100 officials surrounded the residence of Pastor Lu Jingxiang in Mingguang city, Anhui province, where his house church was hosting a summer camp for children. Pastor Lu and three visiting Christian leaders were taken to the police station for holding an "unregistered, illegal meeting." The principal of the local elementary and high school recorded the names of all the children in attendance. Pastor Lu and the three other leaders were later released. The evening before the raid, local officials had spread rumours that Pastor Lu had hidden drugs and cult members in his home.

On August 13, three leaders of a house church in the city of Suqian, Jiangsu province were given five-day administrative detention sentences. Last month, the church's pastor, Pastor Shi Enhao, was sentenced to two years "re-education through labour" . Furthermore, Pastor Shi's son, Shi Yongyang, his daughter, Shi Yumei, and his son-in-law, Zhang Quansheng, are reportedly also at risk of being detained.

Pray Chinese believers facing persecution will have an intimate experience of God's comfort and protection. Pray that increased persecution will result in increased boldness among the believers (Acts 4:29-31). Pray that God will bring to repentance those who afflict His people in China (Psalm 83).

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4. Update: Formerly imprisoned Cuban pastor settles in United States
(Source: Compass Direct, VOM-USA)

A formerly imprisoned Cuban pastor recently arrived in the United States as a political refugee along with his wife and daughters. In February 2006, Cuban authorities raided the home of Pastor Carlos Lamelas and arrested him on charges of aiding emigrants who sought to leave the country illegally. Pastor Carlos was later accused of being involved in human trafficking. Those acquainted with Pastor Carlos denied that he was ever involved in such activities and believed he was being targeted for opposing the Cuban regime on religious rights issues. Carlos suffered in prison without charges until he was suddenly given a conditional release in June 2006. He was later fined, however, on charges of "falsifying documents"

Unable to find employment and fearing another arrest, Carlos applied unsuccessfully for political asylum in 2010. In 2011, however, his case was reviewed and he and his family were granted status as political refugees. "For our part, we have been open to the will of God, and we know he will take us where we can best serve him," Pastor Carlos shared.

During Pastor Carlos's imprisonment, hundreds of Christians wrote him letters of encouragement, many through The Voice of the Martyrs' letter writing site, www.PrisonerAlert.com. "We know that many brothers and sisters have collaborated for our benefit; we're sorry not to know specifically who they are. Nevertheless, we want them to know that our love and gratitude is sealed in our hearts for the rest of our lives," said Pastor Carlos. To get involved in writing letters to prisoners of faith, visit www.PrisonerAlert.com. You can also download a free guide with pointers and prisoner addresses at www.persecution.net/write.htm.

Thank the Lord for the enduring faith of Pastor Carlos. Pray for provision for him and his family as they serve the Lord. Pray that Christians in Cuba will continue to confidently entrust themselves to Christ so that they can preach the gospel without hesitation (2 Timothy 1:7-12).

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5. Imported Bibles seized by Iranian government
(Source: Mohabat News)

The Iranian government is expressing great concern over the large volume of Bibles entering the country. Authorities reportedly seized 6,500 Bibles in transit between the cities of Zanjan and Abhar in northwest Iran. An Iranian official recently stated that "missionaries with reliance on huge money and propaganda are trying to deviate our youth." He also expressed his concern that "religions are strengthening their power to confront Islam." Prior to this, in November of 2010, police officers and revolutionary guards seized 300 Bibles and burned them.

Pray that the Word of the Lord will continue to go forth in Iran and that many will come to embrace Christ as their Saviour. Pray that Iranian believers will never be ashamed of the gospel because, through its power, God brings salvation (Romans 1:16). Pray for strength and insight for all those involved in ministry in Iran.

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