-The Weekly Persecution & Prayer Alert

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

-The Weekly Persecution & Prayer Alert

The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada

Thursday, February 3, 2011

"Once we serve God surely we must go the way of the cross,
so I will not quarrel against the Lord for what has happened."
-- Pastor Quang, Vietnam

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In this week's edition: reports from Vietnam, China, Turkmenistan, Ethiopia and Nigeria.
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1. Christians facing severe opposition in Vietnam

In Vietnam, one of the most tightly controlled nations in the world, Christians face severe opposition for their faith and witness. Staff from The Voice of the Martyrs and 100 Huntley Street, a Christian television program, recently travelled to Vietnam to meet with suffering believers. Some have family members who are imprisoned for serving Christ. Others are underground church members who live with the constant threat of arrest and imprisonment.

Among the believers visited was Pastor Quang, a prominent church leader and lawyer in Ho Chi Minh City. Pastor Quang has been imprisoned, slandered in newspapers and followed by police in recent years. In December 2010, authorities demolished a building that was both his home and the headquarters of the Vietnam Mennonite Church

Pastor Quang continues to face intense pressure from authorities, and members of his congregation are routinely interrogated. He is confident in Christ, however, and he and his church are determined to continue proclaiming their faith in the Lord. "Once we serve God surely we must go the way of the cross, so I will not quarrel against the Lord for what has happened," Pastor Quang said. " once the government tries to use violence it means they are defeated already."

Pray imprisoned Vietnamese believers will be released. Ask God to enable them to share his grace and truth with others, even in prison. Pray God's comfort and provision for their families. Pray all those facing trials for their faith in Vietnam will draw near to God, trusting that He will guard the feet of his faithful servants (1 Samuel 2:2).

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2. Update: Case of imprisoned Chinese Christian up for review
(Source: ChinaAid)

In November 2010, the People's High Court of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in Urumqi, China, accepted the appeal of an imprisoned Uyghur house church leader, Alimujiang Yimiti, to have his case reviewed. Alimujiang was arrested in January 2008 and sentenced in 2009 to 15 years' imprisonment for "providing state secrets to overseas organizations"

Since his arrest, Alimujiang has had extremely limited contact with his family. In December, his wife, Gulinuer, and lawyer, together with a lawyer who understood the Uyghur language (in which Alimujiang's case files are written), prepared an appeal. The judge, however, informed them that the collegiate bench had already studied the case and allegedly made a decision. Although authorities initially claimed that Alimujiang's lawyer and family would be able to meet with him, they have repeatedly denied them visits. At last report, neither Alimujiang's family nor his lawyer had received any further information on his case.

Pray for Alimujiang's freedom and complete exoneration. Pray the re-opening and review of his case will expose the injustice of the situation. Pray those responsible for creating a false case against him will repent of their unjust actions. Pray Chinese authorities will uphold the rights of ethnic and religious minorities. Pray the Church in China will continue to grow in strength and resilience amid suffering and adversity.

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3. Heavy fines imposed in Turkmenistan
(Source: Forum 18 News Service)

Following a January 22 raid on Protestants in a private flat in Turkmenabad, Turkmenistan, a court has imposed heavy fines on 17 of those present. All are thought to have been fined under Article 205, Part 2, of the Administrative Code, which punishes "support for or participation in the activity of a religious group or religious organisation not officially registered in accordance with the legally established procedure."

The fines represent between one and two months' wages for those in an average state job. "I don't know how these people are going to pay the fines," a source told Forum 18. State officials refused to discuss the case. While the Administrative Code is being re-drafted, previous legislative changes have not improved freedom of religion or belief in Turkmenistan.

Ask the Lord to establish His church among the people of Turkmenistan, despite the current situation. Pray the Lord will bring genuine religious freedom to this nation. Pray believers will keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, persevere in the faith and not grow weary or lose heart. Pray particularly for young believers in Turkmenistan.

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4. Ethiopian Muslims warn Christians to convert, leave city or face death
(Source: International Christian Concern)

Christians in the Ethiopian city of Besheno are being harassed and physically abused after Muslims posted notices on the doors of Christian homes, warning them to convert, leave the city or face death. Three Christian leaders were forced to flee the city and two Christians have been forced to convert to Islam. In the Muslim-majority city, the entire evangelical Christian community consists of about 30 believers.

Evangelist Kassa Awano remains in critical condition after Muslims attacked him on November 29, 2010. A few days after the attack, nearly 100 Muslims surrounded a vehicle carrying Christian leaders on their way to negotiate for peace with Muslim leaders. Two men, Tesema Hirego and Niggusie Denano, were seriously wounded, and the other leaders suffered minor injuries. On January 2, Muslims assaulted Temesgen Peteros with a knife after he testified about the attacks on these Christians in court.

Christians in Besheno have been targeted by Muslims for many years. Unfortunately, the local Muslim officials of the city refuse to protect the Christians. The officials ignore their appeals for justice, declining repeated requests for the building of a place of worship and a cemetery.

Pray for the healing of the Ethiopian Christian leaders who have suffered for their faith in Him. Pray that the Lord would make them strong to lovingly and boldly proclaim the gospel. Pray that the persecutors will know Christ's love, forgiveness and blessing through the lives of the Christians.

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5. Nigerian Christians killed in targeted attacks
(Sources: Release International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

At least 24 Christians have been killed in targeted attacks around Jos, Plateau state, since January 27, as sectarian rioting continues. At least six people were killed in a raid on Dorowa village in the Barkin Ladi area, and 18 others died in neighbouring Christian villages. More than 30 homes in Dorowa were burnt down. Six villages in total in Barkin Ladi were attacked.

Meanwhile, sectarian violence continues in parts of central Nigeria. In Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi state, 35 people died in clashes on January 27, police reportedly told news agency Agence France-Presse. Arson attacks in the town destroyed five mosques and 50 houses. An unexploded bomb was found and defused in a Methodist church in Bauchi city on January 31. Last weekend, churches, mosques and homes throughout Jos were set ablaze during rioting.

Christian leaders in the region continue to call on officials to ensure that the Joint Task Force charged with peacekeeping in the region becomes more proactive in protecting vulnerable Christian communities. Christians in the city of Maiduguri in Borno state are also fearful after Islamist sect Boko Haram murdered the governorship candidate, Modu Fannami Gubio, and five others on January 28.

Pray those who suffer tremendous physical pain and trials will be strengthened and delivered by the Lord (2 Corinthians 1:8-11). Ask the Lord to equip those in authority to protect Christians from further attacks. Pray He will heal and minister to those who are hurt and grieving. Pray against the enemy's plans for any further violence.

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