-The Weekly Persecution & Prayer Alert

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

-The Weekly Persecution & Prayer Alert

The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada

Thursday, July 28, 2011

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something
strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ,
so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
-- 1 Peter 4:12-13

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In this week's edition: reports from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Laos and Tajikistan.
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1. Update: Muslims convicted for murdering Christian in Pakistan
(Source: European Centre for Law and Justice)

Three Muslims were recently sentenced to life in prison for murdering a Christian who refused to convert to Islam. Rasheed Masih, a 36-year-old potato business owner in Punjab province, was brutally killed in March 2010 by Muslims resentful of his success. Rasheed was also pressured to renounce his faith. On July 7, the Sessions Court in Mian Channu convicted the three men of torturing and killing Rasheed and sentenced them to life sentences of 25 years. They were also each ordered to pay 100,000 rupees (approximately $1,000 CAD) to Rasheed's family. A fourth suspect was acquitted.

Thank the Lord that Rasheed's murderers were brought to justice by the court. Pray that they will repent of their actions and come to know Christ as Lord. Pray for continued comfort and provision for Rasheed's family. Pray that authorities will strive to provide safety for vulnerable Christians and other minorities in Pakistan.

In Pakistan, Christians are routinely denied justice by the court. Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman sentenced to death for blasphemy, is currently waiting for a court's ruling on her appeal.

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2. Violence against Christians in Sri Lanka
(Source: National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka)

Several Christians were assaulted and threatened throughout Sri Lanka in recent weeks.
 
A pastor was assaulted after attending a meeting convened by a Buddhist monk in Ampara District, Eastern Province on July 10. During the meeting, which was in regard to land distribution, the pastor was assaulted by the monk and others present. The monk kicked the pastor, resulting in serious injuries to his arm and stomach. The assailants later followed the pastor to his home and continued to verbally abuse him and members of his family.

On the evening of July 19, a mob of approximately 50 people attacked the homes of five Christian families in Badulla District in Uva Province. The assailants threw stones which damaged the roofs and broke windows with clubs and rocks. Some families fled in fear to the jungle and waited for the attack to abate. A grocery shop belonging to one of the families was demolished and goods were stolen. The shop owner was also seriously injured. At last report there were plans to force these Christian families to renounce Christianity or leave the village.

Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray that these Christians will not become fearful but will trust the Lord in all things. Pray that the Lord will continue to make Sri Lankan Christians strong to lovingly and boldly proclaim the gospel amid persecution (Ephesians 6:18-20).

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3. Lao Christian kicked out by family for refusing witch doctor
(Source: VOM-USA)

A Christian in Laos was recently kicked out of his home for taking his daughter to a medical doctor rather than seeking treatment from a witch doctor. Twenty-six-year-old "Noy" lived with his wife and their two children in his in-laws' home. He began facing opposition from his family members when he converted to Christianity because he attended church on Sundays rather than work in the field. When his daughter became ill, the family told Noy to take her to a witch doctor. Instead, Noy said, "I will take my daughter to the hospital. God will rescue her life." His in-laws cursed him and burned his Bible and other Christian books while he was at the hospital. When Noy returned after his daughter's recovery, his in-laws told him he couldn't live there unless he renounced his faith. Noy refused, saying, "How can I forsake the living God?" They then forced him to leave the house. With help from The Voice of the Martyrs workers, Noy and his family have purchased a simple bamboo house, but are without basic necessities such as food, clothing and materials for farming.

Thank the Lord that Noy and his family stood firm in their faith and that they are continuing to attend church joyfully. Pray that God will provide for their physical needs and guard their hearts against anxiety. Pray that Christians in Laos will be a bold testimony of love to those around them.

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4. New restrictions on religious freedom in Tajikistan
(Source: Forum 18)

The Upper Chamber of Tajikistan's Parliament recently adopted two legal measures that will further restrict religious freedom, particularly the religious education of children. On July 21, a new Parental Responsibility Law was passed, banning almost all children under 18 from participating in religious activity. At the same time, an amendment to the Criminal Code was passed to punish organizers of "extremist religious" teaching -- an unidentified concept that could easily be applied against Christian leaders.

Both of the new legal measures -- which still need to be signed by President Emomali Rahmon to come into force -- come just two weeks after an amendment made to the country's Religion Law decreed tight restrictions on religious education abroad for children and adults.

Pray for an end to restrictions on religious freedom in Tajikistan. Ask the Lord to continue to equip believers to make the most of every opportunity to share their faith. Pray for wisdom for all believers in the nation as they serve Christ and witness to those who do not yet know Him as Lord.

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