A NOTE TO MY READERS

Dear friends,readers and followers:As you have noticed recently I haven't been posting as much as I wanted.I've been sick on-off .That's the reason why I've been away from my desk to update you all on the latest news on the persecuted church.
On top of that my laptop started acting up real funny and I haven't resolved that issue yet,so I'm blogging via "emergency laptopping mode"if the term exists....:)
I do appreciate your prayers and of course your interest and burden for our brothers and sisters that are suffering persecution wherever they are,even now--as Im typing.
Please continue to come back and visit this blog for more news...and MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL:DON'T FORGET TO PRAY FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS WORLDWIDE....!
I would also appreciate your prayers on my behalf for healing and strength in my body...!
God Bless you all....!Thank you for stopping and reading my blog....!
Jesus is Coming Soon....!
As in the days of Noah....

Women and children abused by Burmese leaders

Burma (MNN)-The atrocities against the tribal people of Burma continue to mount, yet the world continues to ignore their plight. In Part 3 of our series about Vision Beyond Borders, we're taking a look at how women and children are being affected by what's being called a "genocide" in Burma by many who work there.President of Vision Beyond Borders Patrick Klein travels to the region regularly. He just returned from Burma with an even stronger sense of urgency to tell the world about what's happening there. Thousands of Karen and other tribal people are being forced from their homes.One report indicated that 27 towns and villages have been forced to relocate by the Burmese Army.Klein says, "What we're hearing is that they're killing the men, and they're allowing the women and children to flee to Thailand to the refugee camps. Then the Thai government is going to force these kids and women back into Burma to clear out the mine fields. They're just going to be mine-sweepers"...

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Sustaining the Helpless in Burma:"Babies,the Helpless Victims of Persecution"

For the past half century, the Buddhist Burmese government has persecuted the Karen, a Christian minority living precariously on the eastern border of Burma.The Karen are existing in a state of near starvation. Karen mothers do not receive enough nourishment to provide breast milk for their infants, so they are forced to watch their children starve before their eyes, knowing there is nothing they can do to prevent it.To address this problem, ICC is providing fortified milk formula, which provides the essential nurtirents babies are unable to obtain from their mothers. ICC has been able to deliver the milk to grateful mothers who have traveled hours form their homes in the mountains to get it....

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Somali Islamists Execute Christian Convert

Washington, D.C. (July 7, 2010)– International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that members of the Al-Qaeda linked Somali Islamist group, Al-Shabaab, publicly executed a Christian convert from Islam in the in Hudur district, Somalia on July 1st.Muhammad Guul Hashim Idiris, a Christian convert from Islam, was traveling by land from Kalafo, an Ethiopian border town, to visit his mother in Mogadishu.A fellow passenger recognized his Christian background and asked him if he thought the prophet Muhammad was a genuine messenger from God. Idiris responded by saying, “If I thought so, I would have believed in him instead of the Messiah.” Once they reached the Hudur district, a stronghold of the Al- Shabaab terror network, the Muslim man reported Idiris to Al-Shabaab and had him detained on June 27th. Idiris was accused of insulting the prophet Muhammad. It is a serious sin to consider Muhammad not to be a genuine prophet and it warrants the death penalty.Sheik Adan Yare, the Al-Shabab governor of the Bakol region, spoke to the press on July 1st and said, “ Our holy warriors have today, on July 1st at 11: 45 am, executed in front of angry Muslim witnesses a young man whose name was Muhammad Guul Hashim Idiris who insulted our beloved prophet.” The execution, which took place at a make-shift soccer stadium, was attended by hundreds of people, including school children who were forced to watch the execution.The martyr had been married since January 26th and is survived by his pregnant widow.Idiris’ paternal uncle and a Christian convert from Islam spoke to ICC from Addis Ababa, calling the Al-Shabaab execution “further evidence of Al-Shabaab’s attempt to eliminate Christianity from among Somali people in the Horn of Africa.”
Jonathan Racho, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, said “We are deeply saddened by yet another execution of a Somali Christian. Al-Shabaab and Islamic extremist groups in Somalia have repeatedly vowed to wipe out Christians from Somalia. Al-Shabaab has murdered several Christians, chopped off the hands of Muslims suspected of crimes and even stoned Muslim women to death for allegedly committing adultery. The cruel and inhumane action of Al-Shabaab shows its complete disregard for human life.”

SOURCE

Eight Christians Killed in Nigerian Muslim Attacks

Washington, D.C. (July 6, 2010)– International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that this past weekend Muslims attacked Christian villages and killed at least eight Christians in Kaduna and Plateau States of northern Nigeria.On the night of July 3, several Muslims attacked Kizachi village in Kaduna State and killed five Christians, including a primary school teacher and mother of six children. The Muslims also burned down five Christian homes.Nigerian sources told ICC that the police had stopped protecting the village on July 2 after the government failed to pay their salaries.In the second attack, on the night of July 4, 200 Muslims armed with guns and machetes invaded Ganawuri community, near Jos. Three Christians are feared dead.A spokesperson of the Nigerian military’s Special Task Force (STF), Lt. Col. Kingsley Umoh, stated that the attackers were suspected herdsmen from neighboring communities of Kaduna State.According to Umoh, STF received a distress call which they responded to, and engaged in a fire fight with the attackers. One of the attackers received gunshot wounds and six were arrested. Those arrested have since been handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the state police command for further investigations.This latest violence came on the heels of a March 7 jihad attack against Christians in Jos in which over 500 mainly women and children were murdered. It is estimated that many more thousands of Christians have been killed in northern Nigeria since the introduction of Sharia law in 2001.Jonathan Racho, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, said “We are outraged by the latest killings of Christians in northern Nigeria. Once again, Nigerian officials have failed to provide needed security for the citizens of Kaduna and Plateau States. We urge Nigerian authorities to quickly bring all the perpetrators of the attacks to justice and fully investigate the lapse in security.”

SOURCE

Testimonies of Moroccan Believers...

Sameer is a devoted Christian; recently when a Western couple was deported they gave Sameer their old laptop, empty of any information. A week later the Security Police came to Sameer's house and confiscated the computer, blindfolded him and took him to an undisclosed location. The police officers questioned him, "Why are you a Christian? What do you hold against Islam?” Sameer said that each time God gave him the right answers and helped him to stand strong through-out the torture. After three days the police allowed him to go saying, "We will monitor you."

Even though Sameer still suffers from anxiety, he wants continue to serve God by visiting local brothers and sisters, encouraging them.
Adel has been a Christian for many years; recently he was jailed for two days because he had evangelized among Muslims. Currently Adel is under surveillance from the Security Police and expects that he will be sent to jail again. Adel says, "I'm not afraid. In prison there are people who don't yet know about the gospel."
Abdel makes a living by producing leather covers for Bibles, bookmarks, and bags with Christian symbols. He also has a small shop where he distributes Bible CDs in the Berber language. In Morocco the distribution of Christian materials is dangerous, and on a regular basis, the Secret Police come to his shop to interrogate him or order him to go to the police station. According to Abdel the Moroccan churches still need much instruction and guidance in the Christian faith, and because most Berbers are illiterate, they are grateful for Christian CDs in their language.

SOURCE
PS:Would you remember to pray for these three brothers...?

Thank you....!!!

As in the days of Noah...

Christian Professor in Pakistan Beaten for Refusing to Convert

The morning of June 14th, upon exiting his house on campus, Professor Samuel John was attacked and beaten by a mob of 20 to 25 Muslim students. When his wife realized what was happening, she ran to help him, but the students beat her as well. Both John and his wife were rushed to the hospital, with his injuries listed as critical. John later reported the matter to the dean of the Peshawar University College, but the official was unable to take any action because the Islamic student council is supported by political parties and powerful Islamic groups.John, who is a father of four and has been teaching psychology for 12 years, has subsequently faced various forms of harassment from different Islamic student groups who have thrown stones at his home, sent threatening letters, and have threatened his family over the phone. “I am still getting threats,” the professor told Compass. “They say, ‘Leave the university or accept Islam if you don’t convert, we will kill your family”...

SOURCE

Indonesian Islamists eye proselytizing Christians:"Islamic youth militia held its first day of training..."

In this Tuesday, June 29, 2010 photo, an Indonesian Muslim woman reads a banner with a picture of a young, bespectacled Christian man and the words:"Death penalty for Andreas Dusly Sanau" in front of a mosque at Bekasi on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia.
(AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

BEKASI, Indonesia – A banner with a picture of a young, bespectacled Christian man is draped in front of a mosque, a fiery noose around his neck and the words, "This man deserves the death penalty!"
Churches are shut down. And an Islamic youth militia held its first day of training.
Though the events all occurred less than nine miles (15 kilometers) from Indonesia's bustling capital, making headlines in local papers and dominating chats on social networking sites such as Facebook, they've sparked little public debate in the halls of power.
"I really see this as a threat to democracy," said Arbi Sanit, a political analyst, noting leaders never like to say anything that can be perceived as "un-Islamic," because they depend heavily on the support of Muslim parties in parliament."Being popular is more important to them than punishing those who are clearly breaking the law," Sanit said.
Indonesia, a secular nation with more Muslims than any other in the world, has a long history of religious tolerance, though a small extremist fringe has become more vocal in recent years. Members of the Islamic Defenders Front, or FPI, have been known to smash bars, attack transvestites and go after minority sects with bamboo clubs and stones.
Now, they are targeting Christians in the fast-growing industrial city of Bekasi....
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Mosab Yousef's Testimony..

Dear Friends and Followers:
Many have said all sorts of things,regarding this man's testimony.Some in favor...some not...
I invite you to watch this special report(a total of 6 videos) and decide for yourself.
For those of us that have closely lived among muslims,we know that the peril of a horrible death is real in muslim countries,when you become a christian.That is reality for thousands of our brothers and sisters living in the muslim world.
I rejoice in the braveness of this young man of coming out of darkness and sharing his testimony with all that want to hear.
My prayers go out to heaven on behalf of him and the family and friends he left behind.
There is nothing impossible with God....!
As in the days of Noah...
------------------------------
Fox News Special: ESCAPE FROM HAMAS
In January of 2009, the Fox News Channel ran an hour-long special on Mosab Yousef entitled: Escape From Hamas.
Steven Drake posted the Special in six parts on You Tube. Here they are…
PART 1


--PART 2

--PART 3

--PART 4

--PART 5

--PART 6

--Mosab Yousef's Blog:SON of HAMAS

--Save MOSAB HASSAN YOUSEF

Good News! Mosab Yousef Can Stay in America:Judge agrees to grant him asylum after government drops its objection to him staying

(San Diego)—Mosab Hassan Yousef, author of the best-selling, "Son of Hamas" has won the right to stay in the Unites States after a huge campaign by both Christians and Jews had called for him to be granted U.S. asylum.With his friends in court to support him, Yousef got the news during a 15-minute deportation hearing today (Wednesday, June 30, 2010,) in San Diego, California, after a U.S. Department of Homeland Security attorney said the government was dropping its objections.
Yousef is the eldest son of Hamas founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, and became a Christian some time back after being given a Gospel tract in Jerusalem by a London taxi driver who was on vacation in the Holy Land.After his conversion, he later became a spy for Israel's Shin Bet agency and their leadership had praised his courage.
The battle to keep Yousef in American began when the DHS denied his asylum request in February 2009, claiming that he had been involved in terrorism and was a threat to the United States.Among his supporters is former CIA director James Woolsey who had had told reporters at a recent Capitol Hill dinner to honor Mosab and others, "My view is that the decision to deny him political refugee status was incredibly idiotic. It's hard to think of a worse immigration decision in history. It's fundamentally nuts."In the surprise turnaround, Attorney Kerri Calcador gave no explanation for the government's change of heart, but those close to the case believe it was because so many people had spoken up the Yousef, pointing out the weakness in their case, and also because they believed he would be assassinated if he was returned to the Middle East.
The immigration judge, Rico Bartolomei said that Yousef will be allowed to remain in the United States after a routine background check and also that he is fingerprinted. "I will keep fighting the ideology that is behind terrorists because I know how they think," he told reporters outside the courtroom.
By Dan Wooding(BCN)
Source: Mosab Yousef's website
--'Son of Hamas' wins asylum in US

INDIA:Case against ministry workers drags on...

India--Last August, we told you the story of an attack on ministry workers in Karnataka State, India.On August 11, 80 ministry partners in the state of Karnataka gathered at a 4-day training for the Year-Long Children's Bible Clubs. Around midnight, after everyone had gone to sleep, a mob of 20 Hindu extremists broke in, beat the trainees, and held them against their will for at least 14 hours. Police arrived on the scene and promptly arrested 8 of the Christians.In spite of the injustice of the arrests and jailings, their team never wavered from their purpose. Dave Stravers with Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India says they did what Paul and Silas did while in prison: "They had more than 100 prisoners in their area. They started prayer meetings and worship services, and they had converts"...

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The hands of persecution tighten in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan--Mission Network News has discussed the possibility that Christian refugees fleeing to Uzbekistan from chaotic Kyrgyzstan may be running into disaster. This appears to be the case.Although there have not been reports of refugees receiving increased persecution in Uzbekistan, if they plan to stay in the country, they should probably expect it. According to Slavic Gospel Association, the Uzbek government has cracked down on Christians again.An Uzbek member of the Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists (UECB) was recently fined nearly $2,000 under charges of "teaching religious beliefs without specialized religious education and without permission from a central religious organization" and "teaching religious beliefs privately." The victim, Valery Konovalov, was not even given a chance to defend himself....

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Elections may mean change for Christians in Somaliland

Somaliland--Christians may soon experience much more persecution in the republic of Somaliland. Despite the protests of an Islamic group, Somaliland, located in the northwest of Somalia, held presidential elections Saturday.Though a small clash after the elections resulted in the death of one observer, the polling was peaceful, surrounded by tight security according to CNN.That elections even took place was a victory over al-Shabaab, an Islamic group from southern Somalia whose leader, Sheik Mukhtar Abdirahman Abu Zubeyr, warned, "Those who take part in those so-called elections will face the consequences," according to AFP. He also called democracy "the devil's principles" in an audio message to local media....

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Kyrgyzstan approves parliamentary constitution

Kyrgyzstan--Kyrgyzstan's referendum has passed, following Sunday's vote. With a new government, will tensions ease and ethnic violence cease?Joel Griffith of Slavic Gospel Association shared the implications of the new constitution: "This referendum did indeed pass in Kyrgyzstan. They've approved the new constitution. It sets the stage for the first parliamentary democracy in Central Asia. Voters backed the new constitution by about 90.6 percent." Since Kyrgyzstan's former president, Kurmanbek Bakiev, was ousted in April, the interim government fervently pushed for the referendum vote and October elections, despite ethnic violence flare-ups during the month of June....

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Indonesian Muslims Told to Prepare for Religious War:Group forms militia-training unit to visit mosques...

Washington, D.C. (June 29, 2010)–International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that in Bekasi, Indonesia, hard-line Muslims are taking steps toward an impending religious war with Christians.A call to form religious militia units was made this weekend at the second Bekasi Islamic Conference, a gathering of 2000 representatives from regional Islamic organizations. Nine of the attending organizations joined to create a group called Bekasi Islamic Presidium tasked with preparing local mosques for a war against “Christianization.”
“Apparently [Christians] want to test our patience. We are planning to invite them for a dialogue to determine what they really want. If talks fail, this might mean war,” stated Murhali Barda, General Secretary of the Bekasi chapter of the Islamic Defender’s Front (FPI) to The Jakarta Globe. Murhali went on to claim that Christians are actively baptizing Muslim converts and “are on to something.”
The head of the Bekasi Islamic Congress, Saleh Mangara Sitompul, issued a number of recommendations to the Bekasi government in line with Sharia law and recommended that every mosque in Bekasi form its own paramilitary unit. “We hope that the recommendations to the government could be a guide for them so that there will be no religious defamation or inter-religious conflicts,” stated Saleh.
One FPI leader, Abdul Qadir Aka, said the paramilitary units were necessary: “When the need arises we will have units that can be mobilized…We have hundreds and even thousands of mosques in Bekasi. Imagine what we can do together.”
These statements are the latest in rising tensions in the Bekasi area. On June 20, the Pondok Timur Indah Church in Bekasi was shut down “because the congregation held prayers in a place where they were not supposed to.” Last May, a Catholic school named St. Bellarminus was attacked by a group of Muslims for a blog entry that reportedly defamed Islam. In February the Bekasi Galilea Church was closed over allegations of converting Muslims.
ICC’s Regional Manager, Logan Maurer, stated, “These recent events in Bekasi, Indonesia, expose a very frightening trend where radical Muslims are willing to go to any length to silence Christians. The fact that they are threatening to use paramilitary action and that they are also taking concrete steps toward forming militias shows the degree to which Christians, and ultimately religious freedom, is in danger.”
Please contact the Indonesian embassy in your country and politely ask the Indonesian officials if they are aware of what is occurring in the Bekasi area and to protect religious freedom.
Indonesian embassy contact info:

(US) 202.775.5200,

(UK) 44.171.499.7661,

(Canada) 613.724.1100

SOURCE:ICC

Open Doors World Watch List 2010

The World Watch List is a ranking of 50 countries where persecution of Christians for religious reasons is worst. First of all, the scope of the list is persecution of Christians of all denominations in the entire country. The scope is also limited to those persecuted for their faith, not for political, economic, social, ethnic or accidental reasons.
Find out more how you can be on watch for the persecuted church

Moroccan Christians Targeted on Facebook

Muslim extremists in Morocco are now using the social networking site Facebook to expose and vilify Christians. Sadly, they are using images and derogatory tags such as “hyena evangelists” or “wolves in lamb’s skins” that are trying to “shake the faith of Muslims.” Dozens of Christians have been called to police stations for interrogation, many of them verbally abused and threatened with jail or death.

Most Moroccan Christians that spoke to Compass News said their Muslim relatives’ attitudes had shifted, and many were kicked out of their homes or chose to leave “to not create problems” for their families.
Efforts against national Christians have been gaining momentum in Morocco. Abdel Adghirni, a Moroccan lawyer, said that “The government is trying to dominate.” Since March, the government has expelled more than 100 foreign Christians for alleged “proselytizing.” Adghirni added that he believes Morocco cannot survive and develop economically without national diversity saying that, “We can’t be free without Christians. The existence of Christians among us is the proof of liberty.” But, amid a media campaign to condemn Christians in Morocco, more than 7,000 Muslim clerics signed a statement denouncing all Christian activities and calling foreign Christians’ aid work “religious terrorism”...

Source

An Open Letter from the Afghan Christian Community to the Body of Christ Worldwide

KABUL,AFGHANISTAN-(ANS)-Christians in Afghanistan have written an 'Open Letter' to believers around the world calling for help in defending those who are being persecuted for their faith.ANS has received the following letter written by missionaries in Afghanistan, one of which is a “fellow prisoner” for sharing his faith in Christ.
"Our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan are in such a bad place right now they are willing to go public and are crying out for prayers and support from the body of Christ," said Kevin Turner, founder and president of Strategic World Impact (SWI), a Midwestern-based Christian ministry which works in areas where disaster, war, or persecution of Christians occurs."Please let us not forsake those who are being persecuted for their faith, particularly in the nation of Afghanistan. Let us stand with them in prayer and fasting," said Turner, who also received a copy of the letter.
In the introduction to the letter, the Afghan believers say: "We need your help to stop the Afghan government from arresting Afghan Christians and condemning them to death by public execution!"...
By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
READ MORE

Afghan Parliamentarian Calls for Execution of Christians

Washington, D.C. (June 2, 2010) – International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that an Afghan parliamentary secretary called for the public execution of Christian converts on the parliament floor.On Tuesday, the Associated Free Press reported that Abdul Sattar Khawasi, deputy secretary of the Afghan lower house in parliament, called for the execution of Christian converts from Islam. Speaking in regards to a video broadcasted by Afghan television network Noorin TV showing footage of Christian men being baptized and praying in Farsi, Khawasi said, "Those Afghans that appeared in this video film should be executed in public, the house should order the attorney general and the NDS (intelligence agency) to arrest these Afghans and execute them.”The broadcast triggered a protest by hundreds of Kabul University students on Monday, who shouted death threats and demanded the expulsion of Christian foreigners accused of proselytizing. As a result, the operations of Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and U.S.-based Church World Service (CWS) have been suspended over allegations of proselytizing. The Afghan government is currently undertaking an intensive investigation into the matter. According to Afghan law, proselytizing is illegal and conversion from Islam is punishable by death.ICC sources within Afghanistan have reported that many national Christians are in hiding, fearful of execution. Under government pressure during investigations, some Afghans have reportedly revealed names and locations of Christian converts.Aidan Clay, ICC Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “It is absolutely appalling that the execution of Christians would be promoted on the floor of the Afghan parliament. Khawasi’s statement sounded a whole lot like the tyrannical manifesto of the Taliban, not that of a U.S. ally. American lives are being lost fighting terrorism and defending freedom in Afghanistan – yet Christians are being oppressed within Afghan borders. This comes after billions of U.S. dollars have been invested in the war effort, and millions more have been given in aid. The U.S. government must intervene to protect the religious freedoms and human rights of all Afghans. The U.S. is not a mere outside bystander – but, is closely intertwined within Afghan policy. Intervention is not a choice, but a responsibility, as Afghan policies reflect the U.S. government’s ability and commitment to secure a stable government in Afghanistan.”

Source:ICC

A NOTE TO ALL MY READERS...

I thought today would be the day to write you all in a way I haven't done before.

First of all I want to thank all of my followers.Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for visiting and wanting to be part of this blog.God Bless You for your interest on our brothers and sisters that suffer daily for their faith.God will reward ya'll...!

As you can see I have been innactive for a while.There is a reason that I would like to share with you,since you are part of this blog.

Last year on March 21st my pastor Gary Norris at age 46,passed away after a short battle with cancer.That literally devastated my life,and broke my heart.He was to us more than a pastor...he was a friend and believed in the ministry the Lord had commanded us as a family.We shed many,many tears,because after many fastings and prayers,he was gone.I will never forget him.We will never forget him.

Why do I tell you all this...?

Because Bro.Norris was my biggest inspiration to start this blog.We would sit and talk sometimes about the persecuted church and he had such a genuine burden for them...We would pray for them at church,I had a weekly updated prayer bulletin at church for the persecuted church,he would offer materials,anything I needed to make this blog and the prayer bulletin known to whomever has a burden for them.

When he died many things inside me died and were gone with him.It was a hard effort for me to keep up with this blog,cause everytime I logged on,I remember how he used to cheer me to keep on going,even though I faced lack of interest from our own congregation in the matter... He used to tell me not to give up,that there were those that would be truly interested and would help me pray,and give and would get involved in this ministry.He knew it was God's Will for me to continue on with this endeavour.

The mourning is still going on in my heart,even though life seems to go on.Bro Norris' death was a big stop for me to continue on this blog.

May be you that are reading cannot quite understand why I would feel that way,may be you have lost a loved one and understand...Either way all I can tell you is that I was overcome with sorrow,deep sorrow.These last 5 years I've lost so many close loved ones that every funeral seems a little more difficult for me than the previous one.

Many things changed since his death:there is a new church we're attending and Praise God my new pastor is interested in praying for the Persecuted so I restarted my weekly prayer bulletins and from little to old,everybody gets a copy and share it with their children,and families and pray and are getting involved in serving the Persecuted.God has blessed me.

I've been struggling with some health issues too and that slowed me down a lot.

But it's time for me to wipe the tears and continue with this ministry--with God's help--in the form of daily updates,because of those that need our prayers,help and involvement and because also persecution is increasing everywhere at an alarming rate.

I know it is His Will for me to do this and to let people know everywhere about the sufferings that many of our brothers and sisters are living daily.

I found out that there is a lack of information in many churches in different countries,and when I start talking about the issue they get interested right away and beg me for info--even-- in other languages.Up to this point I should need at least a staff of 3 or 4 to translate all the info I have and post it....!

But for now it's in english.If any would like this info in a different language or has info that wanted me to include in my posts,you can always email it to me.Go to my personal info section and you'll find it.

I appreciate each one of you and want to thank you again for your support.

I would appreciate also your prayers for this blog and for my health.

Keep coming back and recommend this blog if it has blessed you.

In Jesus

As in the days of Noah....

New CEO at Voice of the Martyrs-Canada

International (MNN)-The Board of Directors of The Voice of the Martyrs-Canada has appointed Corey Odden to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Odden comes to VOMC after serving most recently as vice president for the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, following 10 years as Chief Financial Officer for The Voice of the Martyrs in the United States. During his time with VOM, Odden traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East in service to the persecuted church.
"I cannot thank God enough for bringing to us Corey Odden, who is, in my humble opinion, uniquely qualified to step into the C.E.O.'s office," said Rev. Peter Jardine, chairman of the Board of Directors. "We remain in God's hands, secure in the knowledge that He is guiding us, sustaining us and loving us through this difficult but rewarding work."

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ALGERIA:Protestors block church service

Algeria (MNN)-On the day after Christmas, a congregation of nearly 350 people gathered for a church service and Christmas celebration at their new building in Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria. They found almost 50 of their Muslim neighbors barring the doors to block them from holding their service.
"The local Muslims were unhappy to have a church so close to their homes," said Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs. "The Christians called the police, and instead of allowing them to meet, the police sent the Christians home to try to negotiate with those who were protesting. In the end, the church was not allowed to hold their services."Nettleton said the police may have had sympathies with the protestors. Although separating the two groups can be an appropriate step in some situations, the end result on this occasion was that the Christians were unable to hold their church services."In the end, their religious freedom was definitely not protected," Nettleton concluded....

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AZERBAIJAN and TAJIKISTAN:Deadline for re-registration passes...

Eastern Europe (MNN)--Oppressive new laws in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan required religious communities to re-register with the government by January 1, 2010 or face illegal status. As of December 16, only about 100 of Azerbaijan's 534 religious communities had been able to do so. Fewer than half of Tajikistan's religious communities re-registered.
According to Joel Griffith of Slavic Gospel Association, officials place obstructions in the paths of churches trying to re-register.
"They will find some technicality or basically any reason to deny registration. So even if some of the groups actually follow the law to the letter and meet the requirements, it just seems very arbitrary and capricious as to whether the officials will agree to register to not," he explained.
It's unclear how strictly the governments of the two nations will enforce their laws....

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DEFAMATION OF RELIGION RESOLUTION:Progress Made After UN Vote

UN (ANS)--Though the United Nations did pass the Defamation of Religion Resolution for the fifth year in a row on Friday, December 18, support for the resolution has eroded significantly. Western countries are continuing to recognize that the resolution threatens freedom of speech, especially for Christians in Muslim majority nations. The resolution would criminalize actions or even words that offend a particular religion. The only religion specifically mentioned in the resolution, though its assumed to apply to any religion, is Islam. The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) is the driving forced behind the Defamation of Religions Resolution and is already being used to silence minority religions....

Full Story.
Pray that support would continue to erode for the resolution as the tragic realities of its use are exposed.
Pray that efforts to utilize this resolution for evil would fail.

Bombing Attempt Puts Nigeria in Spotlight

Nigeria (CNSNews.com)--Islamic extremism in Nigeria has resulted in violence against Christians in northern Nigeria. Hundreds were killed in July when security forces clashed with members of the radical Islamic group Boko Haram. The Christian Association of Nigeria has said that "the incessant call for jihad in this country ... is becoming louder with the passing of each day."

Full Story.
Pray that the Father would thwart and frustrate every effort of the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram to advance and exterminate the Church in Nigeria.
Pray that the Christians in Nigeria would be bold in their witness for the gospel in the face of persecution.

Persecution of Christians in Palestinian Authority

Palestinian Territory (Examiner)--Persecution of Christians continues in Gaza. One Christian man, Yusuf Khoury, was forced to flee Gaza after Hamas men attempted to capture him twice. After Hamas took over Gaza, the owner of the only Christian bookstore in the region was abducted and murdered. Christian stores and schools were firebombed. Unfortunately, the Western media largely ignores the plight of Christians in the Palestinian territory...

Full Story.
Pray for the Father to grant strength and courage to the Christians living in Palestinian territories.
Pray that the church would be stirred to pray and act for this often forgotten body of believers.

The Arrest and Unknown Condition of a Christian Iranian in Mashhad

Iran (FCNN)--A Farsi News Network has reported that Iranian security officials broke into the home of a Christian woman in Mashhad on the morning of December 18th. The officials arrested the woman, Hamideh Najafi, after having thoroughly searched her home. Her location remains unknown. Security officers claim that officials seized some of Hamideh's belongings, including books, CDs, and hand painted portraits of Jesus Christ. The officers said that the existence of the painting could be enough to convict her in court...

Full Story.
Pray for Hamideh's safety and her witness for Christ.
Pray that Hamideh's husband would have success in locating his wife

New Believers Attacked by Family

When Soumil Dutta, Shreyas Das and Saaz Das decided to surrender their lives to Christ, their families turned on them.
Their attackers beat them in an attempt to intimidate them in to denying Christ, but the three young men remained steadfast.
After the beating and threats did not work at home, the relatives tracked down Gospel for Asia–supported pastor Dadra Thackeray. Since it was through his church that these new Christians heard about Jesus, they threatened Dadra with extortion, saying they would make him pay 100,000 rupees ($2,164 US) for each person who became a believer through his church....

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Pastor Harassed by His Landlord

Duval Banerjee, a Gospel for Asia–supported pastor, is facing some difficulties with his landlord.
After Sunday worship on January 24, Duval's landlord suddenly asked him to stop holding worship services in his family's home.The house owner also told Duval that his rent would be increasing. He even locked Duval and his family out of their bathroom.This is causing extreme difficulties for Duval and his wife, Prasela....

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Picture Left:CFA Stock Photo:It is common in Asia for a missionary's home to double as a place of worship

Forced Islamization of Christian Girls Supported by Egyptian State

Egypt (AINA)--A Christian TV channel that broadcasts intro Egypt has helped to expose the "phenomenon of abduction, rape and forced Islamization of Christian girls in Egypt." Many women who have been victims of these crimes shared their testimonies when the program aired in November. One of the testimonies shared was that of a 16-year-old girl who was abducted at the age of 12 on her way to school. She reported being taken into a room a raped by five men on the first night of her abduction. Over the next month, she said that over 50 men had raped her. When she was finally found by her father and brought back home to report the crime, she was beaten by security officers and ordered to claim that she ran away from home. The girl sobbed during her testimony, saying, "Until today they have done nothing about it and will not do anything because I am a Christian."

Full Story.
Pray that the Father would continue to bring comfort and complete healing to the victims of these crimes.
Pray that the Father would see that justice is achieved in each of these cases.

Indonesian Churches Demolished by Mob

Indonesia (ICC)--International Christian Concern has learned that two church buildings were destroyed by Muslim mobs in December. The first church was attacked on December 17th by a mob of over 1000 Muslim men, women and children who threw rocks at the church and then proceeded to ignite the church building using kerosene. Previously, on December 6th, an Indonesian news source reported that a crowd "destroyed tiles, removed the windows, and then burned the church." Fortunately, no one was injured in either of the attacks....

Full Story.
Pray for the body of believers in Indonesia to take a stand for Jesus in the midst of rising persecution.
Pray that the Father would begin to draw Muslims in the region to Himself.

Israel's Messianic Jews Wary of Stepped-Up Persecution

Israel (ReligionNewsService)Last year, a teenage boy was nearly killed when an Orthodox Jew placed a bomb disguised as a holiday gift basket in the stairwell of a Messianic Jewish family in Israel. The attack left then 15-year-old Ami with shrapnel wounds and burns over most of his body. Teitel, the attacker, confessed to leaving the package there because he knew the family believed in Jesus as the Messiah. Now, members of the community are concerned that this kind of persecution may continue to intensify as it has in recent years due to the growing activity and confidence of anti-missionary groups who routinely hold protests outside of Messianic places of worship....

Full Story.
Pray that Ami and his family would find justice as well as mercy for their attacker.
Pray that the number of Messianic believers in Israel would continue to grow in spite of persecution and draw Israel to the truth of their Messiah.

Missionary Injured in Accident

Gospel for Asia–supported missionary Chandra Pavi was injured in an accident January 28. Chandra remains hospitalized for his injuries.The accident occurred when Chandra, who was riding a motorbike, collided with a tractor.
Chandra was unconscious after the accident, but some people who saw what happened loaded him in a car and took him to the nearest hospital...

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Books headed to Nepal in 2010

Nepal (MNN)-In the year 2009, Christian Resources International shipped almost 200,000 Bibles and Christian literature to pastors in parts of the world where such materials are difficult to obtain. CRI's Fred Palmerton is excited about the needs the ministry will meet in 2010."We are just so grateful for the ending year and all the ministry that we were able to accomplish, and finding out that the needs didn't go away; [they're] still great," he said. "I'm looking forward to 2010. It's going to be an exciting year at the ministry, and God blessed us mightily"...

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Picture Left:Courtesy of CRI

2010 starts with replacements, renewed passion and rebirth

India-Audio Scripture units were the last 50 units available for distribution via Audio Scripture Ministries in India.The units were being sent to an office that was last on the distribution list and had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the units, but they never arrived. JP Sundararajan with ASM explains: "Essentially the units were stolen en route and replaced with a copy of an old Bible and some old medicine bottles etc. Somebody just swapped packages"....

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