The Weekly
Persecution & Prayer Alert
The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada
Thursday, July 21, 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 Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Laos
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1. Update: Court re-examining case of Iranian pastor sentenced to
death
(Source: VOM contacts)
In early July, it was reported that the case of Youcef Nadarkhani,
an Iranian pastor sentenced to death for leaving Islam, was being
returned to a lower Iranian court. In recent days it was learned
that his lawyer has finally received the written confirmation of
the ruling from the Supreme Court. According to one source, the
Supreme Court has agreed with the death sentence verdict. However,
the court also found procedural flaws and is asking the lower
court to re-examine the case. The judges are reportedly seeking
clarification as to whether Pastor Youcef was truly a Muslim prior
to becoming a Christian. If Pastor Youcef is determined to have
been a "true" Muslim and does not recant his Christian faith the
death sentence will stand. It is also feared that Pastor Youcef
could be executed before the court re-examines the case.
Pray for enduring faith for Pastor Youcef as he continues to face
severe pressure to deny his Saviour. Pray that officials will
repent of their unjust actions and allow Youcef to be exonerated
and released. Pray that all Iranian Christians imprisoned for
their faith will be sustained by the love and presence of their
Heavenly Father.
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2. House church leader kidnapped in Iraq
(Sources: VOM contacts, Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
A house church leader has been kidnapped by Muslims in Duhok,
Iraq. A young Iraqi girl recently told VOM contacts that Muslims
broke into her home and took her father, Jamal. Pastor Jamal works
among the Shabak people -- a people who have Jewish roots and
speak Arabic and Kurdish. It is suspected the militants targeted
him for helping lead many Muslims to Christ. Several weeks ago,
the home of one of Jamal's recent converts was sprayed with
machine gun fire. Many fear that the militants, possibly members
of al Qaida, will not give Jamal any option of release but
immediately kill him.
Throughout Iraq, Christians in environments of violence continue
to face the agonizing choice of fleeing their homes or remaining
in a climate of fear and pressure. Most Christians have left the
country or have been forced to move from their hometowns due to
continuous attacks, and it is estimated that less than half of a
million Christians remain. Despite threats against them, hundreds
of Iraqi Christians in Kirkuk recently celebrated the opening of a
new church -- the first to be built in eight years.
Pray that Jamal will be released and brought home safely. Pray
that he will rest in the knowledge that the Good Shepherd is with
him through his sufferings (Psalm 23). Pray that both he and his
family will remain faithful to the Lord in this time of trial.
Thank the Lord for the opening of the church in Kirkuk. Pray that
the Church will continue to strengthen and grow, even amid the
ongoing persecution.
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3. South Sudan receives independence; Christians remain at risk
(Sources: Middle East Concern, VOM)
On July 9, Sudan and South Sudan officially became separate
nations -- a separation in accordance with a referendum held in
January. The secession comes after a long history of violence and
conflict, including two civil wars between the largely Islamic
north and the Christian and animist majority in the south.
Christians, in particular, have endured severe opposition.
Although many people, from Sudanese Christians to international
leaders, have expressed hope over the South's independence, it is
clear that the people on both sides of the new border continue to
be at risk of violence and religious freedom violations. In the
months leading up to the secession, clashes erupted in several
areas. Government agents and Islamic militants looted churches and
killed Christians in regions of South Kordofan state. There remain
concerns that churches in the Sudan may face further restrictions
on their freedom of worship if the government implements a strict
form of Shariah, or Islamic, law. With Christians continuing to
flee to South Sudan, it is also feared that remaining believers in
the north could be especially vulnerable to violence, pressure,
and baseless accusations of defaming Islam.
Pray that Sudanese Christians will be examples of justice, peace
and love as their nation navigates through this chapter of
transition. Pray that the government of Sudan will listen to the
concerns of the international community and recognize the
importance of religious freedom. Pray that Christians in both
Sudan and South Sudan will continue to entrust themselves to
Christ knowing Jesus is the ruler over the kings of the earth (2
Timothy 1:7-12, Revelation 1:5).
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4. Lao pastors languishing in prison
(Source: Compass Direct)
Two Lao pastors arrested six months ago for holding a "secret
meeting" are languishing in prison due to the harsh conditions.
In early January, officials arrested Pastor Wanna along with 10
other believers and detained them for celebrating Christmas
without prior approval. Within days police had released nine of
the detainees. Wanna, however, and another local pastor, Yohan,
remain imprisoned.
Prison authorities have repeatedly told the men that they will be
freed as soon as they sign documents renouncing their faith. After
a recent visit, Wanna's family members observed that he had lost
weight, contracted an infection and seemed extremely weak. Both
Wanna and Yohan's families are also facing hardship, as the men
were the principal providers for their families. Several of
Wanna's children have since left school to find work.
Pray for health and strength for Wanna. Pray that he and Yohan
will continue to draw on the Lord, knowing that He can equip them
with the faith and hope they need to endure their chains. Ask God
to comfort and provide for their families in this time. Pray that
the charges against them will be dropped and that they will be
released. Pray that the Word of God will continue to be declared
with clarity, boldness, love and power by all believers in Laos.
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