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-The Weekly
Persecution & Prayer Alert-
The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but
prayer.
- John Calvin
***********************************
In this week's edition: reports from Kenya, Iran, Sudan, and
Nigeria.
***********************************
1. Grenade attack on church in Kenya kills one
(Source: Compass Direct News)
A grenade explosion on April 29 at a church in Nairobi, Kenya,
killed a 27-year-old university student and injured 16 people.
Kelvin Walumba was killed after a man pretending to be a fellow
worshipper threw three grenades as the service was concluding.
Only one of the grenades exploded. A security guard said the
assailant, who after running out into the street fired three
pistol shots into the air, appeared to be of Somali origin.
Al Shabaab Islamic extremists from Somalia have embarked on a
series of assaults in Kenya after the Kenyan military invaded
Somali territory last autumn in an attempt to quell extremist
attacks.
Church leaders said four members of the church are in critical
condition: Leonida Mbogo, Julia Mumbi, Ezekiel Muthini, and Shalom
Koronge. Leonida sustained serious injuries to her leg. A Sunday
school teacher said one of her students, a boy identified only as
Jessy, was receiving hospital treatment for injuries and is in
stable condition.
Pray that God will bring comfort and peace to the family and
friends of Kelvin. Pray for healing for those injured and all
those who witnessed the attack. Pray too for the perpetrator. Pray
that the Holy Spirit will convict him and bring him to repentance.
***********************************
2. One believer released, others remain imprisoned in Iran
(Source: Middle East Concern)
Fariborz Azram, a believer from a Muslim background, was released
on April 11 after six months in detention on account of his faith.
He was arrested during a raid on his home on October 17, 2011. For
most of his time in prison he was denied visitors and little
information about his condition was disclosed to his wife and two
children. It remains unclear whether he was released
unconditionally or whether bail was paid pending formal charges
and a court hearing.
Elsewhere, more than 20 believers remain detained across Iran
because of their Christian faith or activities. Following a series
of raids in February and early March, five believers remain
detained in Shiraz, three in Kermanshah, and at least seven in
Isfahan. Among others detained are some who have been held for
more than a year, including Noorallah Qabitizade, who was arrested
in December 2010, and Youcef Nadarkhani who has been detained
since October 2009 and remains under a death sentence (for more on
Youcef, go to www.persecution.net/ir-2012-01-19.htm). After a year
of being held without charge, Farshid Fathi was sentenced in April
to six years in prison. Farshid's attorney is reportedly planning
to appeal the ruling. Meanwhile, Behnam Irani, who is serving a
sentence in Karaj since May 2011, is reported to be in ill health
and suffering abuse from fellow prisoners
Praise God that Fariborz has been released and returned to his
family! Pray that he will be protected from further threats and
harassment. Ask the Lord to help him to overcome this ordeal and
to remain strong in his faith. Pray for the release of Noorallah,
Farshid, Youcef and Behnam. Pray that, like Paul, their
imprisonment will result in the advancement of God's kingdom
(Philippians 1:12-14).
***********************************
3. Christians under fire in Khartoum, Sudan
(Source: Middle East Concern)
There have been several attacks on Christians in Sudan's Khartoum
region in recent weeks.
On April 21, a church building in Sawafi was attacked by a mob
provoked by a radical Muslim leader. Security forces stopped the
mob. However, some found an alternate route, enabling them to
ransack and burn down the building. The same day, a Bible School
located on a church compound in Al-Gereif was badly damaged in an
arson attack by a Muslim mob. The church had received threats of
violence in late March and early April. Office equipment, library
resources, and students' personal belongings were destroyed.
On April 19, in Burri, a group of 130 university students of South
Sudanese origin were detained and given seven days to leave Sudan
after being accused of celebrating South Sudan's invasion of the
Heglig oil field within South Kordofan province. The students
denied that they had held any such celebration. The day before,
churches in Al-Baraka, Dar el Salam, and Takamul districts
received notice that their properties would be demolished because
of lack of structural integrity. Church leaders complained that
the Ministry of Planning and Urban Development had not informed
them of required changes to the buildings. Church leaders have
reportedly been informally notified that the orders have been
reversed.
Meanwhile, the April 8 deadline for those of South Sudanese origin
(many of whom are Christian) to leave Sudan following the
secession of South Sudan in July 2011 has been postponed for 30
days.
Pray that Christians in Khartoum will know the peace, presence and
protection of Jesus. Pray that the detained students will be
released. Pray that all demolition orders will be officially
withdrawn. Please ask God that church leaders will know the
Spirit's guidance and wisdom at this time.
***********************************
4. Christians in Nigeria killed, injured
(Source: Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin)
On April 29, believers worshipping at Bayero University in the
northern city of Kano, Nigeria, were targeted by militants from
Boko Haram. The jihadists attacked the open-air service held
outside the faculty of medicine, throwing explosive devices
amongst the worshippers then chasing and shooting believers as
they fled. They also attacked a worship service being held in the
sporting complex, again throwing explosive devices amongst the
believers who were then chased and gunned down as they ran away.
Twenty-one people were killed and more than 20 were treated in
hospital for gunshot wounds.
In an almost simultaneous attack, six Boko Haram gunmen burst into
a chapel in the northeast city of Maiduguri, spraying bullets
throughout the sanctuary. The pastor and three others who were
preparing to serve communion were killed, while others were
injured.
Ask God to surround those who are grieving with His love, peace,
and comfort. Pray that the perpetrators of this violence will
repent and turn to Jesus Christ. Pray that Christians in Nigeria
will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith, and not
grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 10:32-39; Hebrews 12:1-3).