News and Prayer for the Persecuted

7/28/11 Saudi Arabia, India (ChristianToday) Jailed Indian Christians Released After Six Months in Saudi Arabia - Two Indian Christians, Sekhar and Yohan, were arrested and charged with proselytizing in Saudi Arabia. After six months in prison, they were released and returned to India on Sunday. The raid and the arrests in Saudi Arabia are believed to be an attempt to stop Christians from worshiping in their homes. During the raid in which the two men were arrested, authorities confiscated Bibles, Christian literature, and musical instruments. They also reportedly painted verses from the Koran on the apartement walls. Sekar said that he was pressured to convert to Islam again, but he refused. About 7 million foreigners work in Saudi Arabia. Often workers face torture, unfair trials, and forced confession when they are accused of crimes. Full Story Pray that they will continue to serve the Lord boldly, and praise the Lord for their faith! Pray that they will continue to worship the Lord, and that the Lord will shine through them and bring in more discliples.

7/27/11 North Korea (ChristianToday) 20,000 People Call Out for End to Christian Persecution in North Korea - North Korea has been accused of putting 180,000 people into forced labor. People can be put in prison just for owning a Bible. Many Christians are in prison camps facing starvation and torture. Many who try to flee the country are shot and killed by the border guards. In the UK, more than 20,000 people have signed a petition crying out for religious freedom in North Korea. Full Story Pray for the Christians in North Korea to continue to put their faith in Christ, especially through these trials. Pray that the Christians in North Korea will be able to minister to those who do not know Christ. Pray for those in North Korea who are persecuting and torturing Christians. Pray that the Lord with open their eyes and lead them to repentance.

7/27/11 Pakistan (ANS) Pakistani Christian Woman Forced to Marry Muslim Man, Change Her Faith - A Muslim man and his brothers abducted Farah Hatim and forced her to marry her kidnapper and convert to Islam. The case was brought to court, but there are claims that the police have been threatening Farah's family. When the judge asked her if she went of her own accord with the men, she responded that she "went of [her] own will," but she may have been afraid that her family would be killed, due to the claims of threats from the police on her family. The decision was made for her to "go home with her new family." After the trial, Farah broke into tears. A spokesperson for the Justice Peace Commission said, "Farah has become a victim of racket that is involved in prostitution...her 'husband' tried to force her into prostitution, but she refused." He added, "Thousands of girls from Pakistan's minorities are kidnapped and forced into marriages." Full Story Pray for the women who are forced into marriage and conversion. Pray that the Lord will be with them, and give them the courage to speak the truth. Pray specifically for Farah Hatim and her family, that the Holy Spirit will cast out their fear and bring them comfort and peace.

7/26/11 Iraq (ReleaseInternational) Iraqi Christians Fear for Missing Pastor - Pastor Jamal has been kidnapped, likely for his efforts in leading Muslims to Christ. Just a few weeks prior to the pastor's kidnapping, one of the Muslims whom he had led to Christ had his home fired upon by machine guns. Militants are suspected of breaking into Pastor Jamal's home and kidnapping him. His family and friends, who believe he was targeted for his ministry among the Shabak people, are afraid that he may have been killed. Full Story Pray for Pastor Jamal, that if he is still alive, the Lord will comfort and protect him. Pray for Pastor Jamal, that whether he is dead or alive, those who persecuted him would see his faith and come to know Christ.

7/26/11 Pakistan (GospelHerald) Global Petition Launched to Save Asia Bibi - Asia Bibi has been sentenced to death for "blasphemy" in Pakistan. After her Muslim co-workers shared with her about Islam, she responded by sharing her own faith, saying, "Our Christ has sacrificed his life on the cross for our sins...he is alive." The Muslims responded violently, beating her and threatening to blacken her face and put her on a donkey to ride around and be humilitated. Police were informed of the incident and Asia was put into protective custody before the Muslim's harsh plan was carried out. Unfortunately, Muslims were able to pressure the police into filing blasphemy charges against Asia. Though the charges are false, and Asia is only persecuted for her faith in Christ, she has now been in prison for two years and faces the death penalty. If the sentence is carried out, she will be the first woman to be executed under Pakistan's blasphemy laws. A petition has been launched to help release her. Will you add your voice? Full Story Pray that more people will sign the petition for her freedom, and sign it yourself at CallForMercy.com! Pray for Asia Bibi, that the Lord will strengthen her faith even more, and that his light would shine through her to those who persecute her. Pray that the Lord will protect and comfort her as she continues to follow Christ.

7/25/11 Burma (WorthyNews) 17-Year-Old Cease Fire Broken; Thousands Flee - More than 20,000 civilians have fled their homes due to the Burmese military ending a 17-year ceasefire. This crisis has been called "Burma's civil war without witnesses" because the Burmese army restricts access to any non-government organizations seeking to provide relief. Fear of attacks from the Burmese military have caused the people to flee, and many are trying to enter into China for refuge, however many are worried that many civilians may die of starvation if China does not open its borders to the refugees. There are also rumors that the Burmese government may attack the headquarters of the KIA (Kachin Independence Army), a group that seeks to protect their people from attacks from the Burmese Army. Full Story Pray that those who are trying to flee find safe refuge. Pray that they will turn to the Lord through these trials. Pray that the KIA remains strong in order to defend the people from Burma attacks. Pray that China will open its borders for the refugees.

7/25/11 China (ChinaAid) Top House Church Leader Sentenced to Labor Camp - The Deputy Chairman of the Chinese House Church Allience, Pastor Shi Enhoa, has been sentenced to a two-year imprisonment without trial. He is accused of conducting "illegal meetings and illegal organizing of venues for religious meetings." Police have sentenced him to two years of what they term "re-education through labor." Pastor Enhoa's sentence is a continuation of the controversy stirred by the events related to the Shouwang Church in Beijing. The congregation has continued to meet together and worship outside (despite repeated arrests) after being evicted from the regular meeting site. Full Story Pray for Pastor Shi Enhao, that the presence of the Lord will be with him as he endures persecution. Pray for his family, and for all of our Christian brothers and sisters in China Pray for the people in the Shouwang Church in Beijing.

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