"The county asked, 'Do you have a regular meeting in your home?' She said, 'Yes.' 'Do you say amen?' 'Yes.' 'Do you pray?' 'Yes.' 'Do you say praise the Lord?' 'Yes.'"
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Hundreds of thousands of letters given to senators"Campaign in opposition to 'hate crimes' provisions growing"
Hundreds of thousands of letters have been dispatched to members of the U.S. Senate suggesting that the so-called "hate crimes" bill now pending before committee is the wrong way for the country to move.... Picture left:Part of the FedEx campaign of letters from citizens opposing the "hate crimes" bill.
Senate letter calls for filibuster of "hate crimes" bill:"Do not silence pastors nor penalize people of faith"
A Texas pastor has written an open letter to the U.S. Senate, asking someone, anyone, to filibuster pending "hate crimes" legislation and stop what he calls a "maddening march to the destruction of our First Amendment right to freely practice our religion." As WND has reported, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 would provide special protections to homosexual people but leave Christian ministers open to prosecution should their teachings be linked to any subsequent offense, by anyone, against a homosexual person...
Christian cross complaint targets nation's faith factor:Campaign assembled to protect recognition of veterans' sacrifices
A cross erected in the remote southern California desert by U.S. veterans in memory of their lost World War I buddies has become the focal point for an effort by the American Civil Liberties Union to eradicate references to Christianity from America's heritage.But now a campaign has been assembled to fight back, to honor the veterans who have kept the nation safe for generations and to endorse the right of the public to acknowledge those efforts.
Liberty Legal Institute has launched a new website called Don't Tear Me Down that describes the attack on the cross in the desert, which now needs a favorable ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court or faces demolition....
Challenge to mandatory government sex-ed grows:'Parents well within rights to teach children in accord with religious beliefs'
A German school district's demand that Christian parents submit their 9- and 10-year-old children to a mandatory four-day state-run sex education program that violates their religious beliefs is being challenged now by a second family before the European Court of Human Rights.The newest challenge is being raised by the Alliance Defense Fund on behalf of Willi and Anna Dojan, who have eight children and are active in the Christian Evangelical Baptist Church....
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Christian Brothers Spend Two Months in Prison for Blasphemy:Released After Intervention by Police and Christian Lawyers
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that two Christian brothers accused of "blasphemy" against Islam in Pakistan were released from prison on April 16 after police and Christian groups were able to negotiate a settlement with their accusers out of court. However, even the accusation of blasphemy can stigmatize a person in Pakistan for life, and Christian leaders fear that these two Christian men will not be able to continue their work and school due to this incident. Naveed Aziz, 17, was originally accused of blasphemy on January 27 in Narrowal, Pakistan, by a fellow student who noticed a pamphlet in his bag. The student told an instructor that Naveed was carrying "blasphemous" material, and the teacher proceeded to search Naveed's bag, confiscate the pamphlet, and report him to the principal. A group of angry Muslim students crowded the principal's office, demanding that Naveed be expelled from the school and handed over to police. The principal attempted to calm down the situation, but did agree to expel Naveed from the school.News of Naveed's pamphlet spread, however, and one week later Muslim students from nearby high schools and colleges conducted a rally against Naveed.Radical Muslim groups persuaded the mob to seize Naveed and his brother, Pastor Shafiq Masih, 35, burn their house and stone them. Police intervened by arresting the two brothers and taking them to prison.This provides a rare case of Pakistani police defending Christian minorities, as the police did not permit the accusers to file a court case against the two men. Instead, when a Christian legal group came to investigate the situation, they found that police were attempting to allow a local "Peace Committee" to negotiate an out-of-court agreement between the Muslim accusers and the two brothers. As a result of intervention by the Center for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), a Christian legal group, the two brothers were finally released on April 16 after spending two and a half months in prison.Jeremy Sewall, ICC's Advocacy Director, said, "While this is an encouraging victory, these two brothers will face intense social pressure from Muslims who see even the accusation of blasphemy as reason enough for execution. Until Pakistan can address this societal pressure, even the best policing in the world will not be able to protect Pakistani Christians."http://www.persecution.org/
CHINA:PSB Officers Return 150,000 Yuan to Pastor Bike
HENAN – On April 17, at 9 a.m. local time, Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan was summoned to the Nanyang Public Security Bureau (PSB) office where authorities returned the 150,000 yuan that officials had confiscated from him on March 21 by the Beijing PSB. This action came as a direct result of international pressure after ChinaAid sent out a press release on the story. Pastor Bike told ChinaAid sources, “The authorities gave the money back, because of the pressure. Hallelujah! We will continue the ministry and fight for religious freedom.”Pastor Bike, head of the more than 250,000-member Chinese House Church Alliance, was arrested and interrogated at 6 a.m. on March 21 by more than a dozen police officers in Beijing. Authorities confiscated his three cell phones, bank cards and more than 150,000 yuan from one of Pastor Bike’s bank accounts, before forcefully searching him and threatening him with death. Three hours later, Beijing authorities turned Pastor Bike over to three police officers from Pastor Bike’s hometown in Nanyang city, Henan province. Police then escorted Pastor Bike back to Nanyang by train, where he was questioned by local police. Beijing authorities later returned the bank cards and cell phones, but kept the 150,000 yuan.
ChinaAid, together with Pastor Bike, thank all around the world who spoke out on his behalf. The international pressure held Chinese authorities accountable, which directly led to the return of the funds. ChinaAid also acknowledges the Nanyang PSB and Beijing PSB for returning the funds.
For more information please visit:
http://www.monitorchina.org/
Pray for Marzieh and Maryam from Iran....!!!
Would you take a moment to join us in prayer for the safety and protection of two formerly Muslim women who recently became Christians?These two Christian women live in Iran:
Marzieh Amairizadeh Esmaeilabad, 30, and Maryam Rustampoor, 27, were imprisoned by Iranian officials on March 5 and incarcerated in the infamous Evin prison. Inmates at this prison are tortured and face other forms of mistreatment.The two women were imprisoned because they were practicing their Christian faith, but Iranian officials allege that they were involved in 'anti-government activities.'
Iranian officials asked the women to post bail at the staggering amount of $400,000 in order to be released, but when Marzieh's sisters tried to pay the bail fee, the government officials refused to accept it. This makes it clear that the Iranian officials are determined to severely punish our Christian sisters.
Both women are allowed just a one minute telephone call every day to their immediate families. Both are unwell and in need of urgent medical attention. During their last call on March 28, Marzieh said that she was suffering from an infection and a high fever. She said 'I am dying.'
--Please pray that both women will be released from prison.
--Pray that the Holy Spirit would give them strength and comfort in the face of torture and other mistreatment that they experience.
--Pray that the Lord would give strength to their families.
Marzieh Amairizadeh Esmaeilabad, 30, and Maryam Rustampoor, 27, were imprisoned by Iranian officials on March 5 and incarcerated in the infamous Evin prison. Inmates at this prison are tortured and face other forms of mistreatment.The two women were imprisoned because they were practicing their Christian faith, but Iranian officials allege that they were involved in 'anti-government activities.'
Iranian officials asked the women to post bail at the staggering amount of $400,000 in order to be released, but when Marzieh's sisters tried to pay the bail fee, the government officials refused to accept it. This makes it clear that the Iranian officials are determined to severely punish our Christian sisters.
Both women are allowed just a one minute telephone call every day to their immediate families. Both are unwell and in need of urgent medical attention. During their last call on March 28, Marzieh said that she was suffering from an infection and a high fever. She said 'I am dying.'
--Please pray that both women will be released from prison.
--Pray that the Holy Spirit would give them strength and comfort in the face of torture and other mistreatment that they experience.
--Pray that the Lord would give strength to their families.
PS:Please remember to pray for these two sisters...The infamous Evin prison is the same where american journalist was held at.If you remember the news,she was released last week and is actually now resting in Austria with her parents and friends...
Please remember all those christians imprisoned and tortured there daily,
Pray for the authorities in Iran,too
As in the days of Noah...
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Update:ChinaAid Christmas Care Packs Field Report
CHINA – December 2008, ChinaAid Association together with The Voice of the Martyrs – Canada partnered with house church leaders to distribute 2,500 Christmas Care Packs for Chinese children. Each child received a school backpack filled with items such as school supplies, candy, socks or mittens and a Bible storybook.Every year during the week of Christmas, Christians across China experience increased persecution.In 2008, ChinaAid contacts reported 44 Christians arrested and many house churches and homes raided.
ChinaAid thanks all who supported this project to bless China’s children during Christmas. ChinaAid received the following field report from house church leaders about the Christmas Care Pack distribution:
"Local house church Christians had the privilege of distributing the ChinaAid-The Voice of the Martyrs Canada Christmas Care packs to ethnic minority children in Inner Mongolia. Twenty house church Christians requested to hand the gifts to the children at a Christmas party on December 21. On December 20, more than 2,200 Christmas Care Packs were delivered to the house church. A special truck was rented to transport the gifts and the distribution teams to several cities.
In Xinjiang, an elder in the house church, prayed over the gifts, touching them with his hands. He said, “These gifts came from North America, as if sent by neighbors. Remember our Lord loves the Chinese. Thank You, Lord, thank You for our American and Canadian brothers and sisters. You commanded us to love our neighbor, as we love ourselves.”
Some of the children live on a mountain in Guizhou province. They had never seen such a beautiful book bag and such wonderful Christmas presents. They rejoiced, jumping up and down. They cheered and sang loudly, “Hallelujah, praise to the Lord!”
At another distribution point on the Yunnan borders, there are many ethnic minority villages. More than 90% of these villagers are Christians. They love the Lord very much, though they live in stark poverty. The pastor had to send their gifts by donkey. When the gifts arrived, the teachers and the children went to welcome the “donkey train” at the entrance of the village 10 miles away. When the parents saw their children holding new book bags, they said, “Thank You, Heavenly Father, thanks to our Lord!” The children, responded, “Thank you American and Canadian Christian uncles and aunts; we welcome you to visit us in Yunnan.”
Another group of believers, the Zhejiang house church, sent the gifts with five of their missionaries. They rented a truck, loaded the Christmas Care packs, and drove to Sichuan province. In this earthquake-stricken area, the missionaries invited the orphans to come to receive a Christmas Care pack. The children responded with grateful tears. The missionaries admonished the children saying, “Be sure to live with our Lord and grow up in Him, like the uncles and aunts in North America, to help others and become a blessing of Jesus.”
For more information please visit:
http://www.monitorchina.org/
"Local house church Christians had the privilege of distributing the ChinaAid-The Voice of the Martyrs Canada Christmas Care packs to ethnic minority children in Inner Mongolia. Twenty house church Christians requested to hand the gifts to the children at a Christmas party on December 21. On December 20, more than 2,200 Christmas Care Packs were delivered to the house church. A special truck was rented to transport the gifts and the distribution teams to several cities.
In Xinjiang, an elder in the house church, prayed over the gifts, touching them with his hands. He said, “These gifts came from North America, as if sent by neighbors. Remember our Lord loves the Chinese. Thank You, Lord, thank You for our American and Canadian brothers and sisters. You commanded us to love our neighbor, as we love ourselves.”
Some of the children live on a mountain in Guizhou province. They had never seen such a beautiful book bag and such wonderful Christmas presents. They rejoiced, jumping up and down. They cheered and sang loudly, “Hallelujah, praise to the Lord!”
At another distribution point on the Yunnan borders, there are many ethnic minority villages. More than 90% of these villagers are Christians. They love the Lord very much, though they live in stark poverty. The pastor had to send their gifts by donkey. When the gifts arrived, the teachers and the children went to welcome the “donkey train” at the entrance of the village 10 miles away. When the parents saw their children holding new book bags, they said, “Thank You, Heavenly Father, thanks to our Lord!” The children, responded, “Thank you American and Canadian Christian uncles and aunts; we welcome you to visit us in Yunnan.”
Another group of believers, the Zhejiang house church, sent the gifts with five of their missionaries. They rented a truck, loaded the Christmas Care packs, and drove to Sichuan province. In this earthquake-stricken area, the missionaries invited the orphans to come to receive a Christmas Care pack. The children responded with grateful tears. The missionaries admonished the children saying, “Be sure to live with our Lord and grow up in Him, like the uncles and aunts in North America, to help others and become a blessing of Jesus.”
For more information please visit:
http://www.monitorchina.org/
PS:I praise the Lord for these wonderful news coming from as far as Inner Mongolia....!
Please keep these precious christian communities in your prayers....!
Also visit the China Aid website and see how you can get involved and help....!!!
As in the days of Noah...
SRI LANKA (Compass Direct News):"Buddhist Mobs Attack Churches"
Buddhist mobs attacked several churches in Sri Lanka last week, threatening to kill a pastor in the southern province of Hambanthota and ransacking a 150-year-old Methodist church building in the capital. The pastor, Pradeep Kumara, has said that Buddhist extremists have come to his home and threatened him in person, as well as calling him. They are threatening to kill him if he does not leave the village. The 150-year-old Pepiliyana Methodist Church was completely emptied. The theft of items that had no monetary value, but great personal value, such as baptism and marriage records, are leading local police to believe that robbery was not the motive. Full Story.--Pray for the safety of Pradeep Kumara and his family.
--Pray that the police are able to aprehend the individuals who robbed the church.
--Pray for the Buddhists who are persecuting Sri Lankan Christians.
INDIA (All India Christian Council):"Pastor Arrested in Andhra Pradesh"
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On April 6, Pastor Prabhu Dass and two other Christians went to pray in a local believer's home. Pastor Dass gave a tract to someone along the way, and that person immediately told anti-Christian groups. The pastor was threatened by those individuals and accused of attempting to convert people. They took him to the local police station, where he is being held. Other local pastors have been unable to discover what the charges against Pastor Dass are, and they are attempting to post bail for him. Full Story.--Pray for the safety of Pastor Prabhu Dass.
--Pray that the charges against him are dropped, and that he is released.
--Pray for the conversion of the man who rallied the anti-Christian groups against Pastor Dass.
Villagers Find Severed Head of Kidnapped Christian Farmer in Philippines:Al-Qaeda-linked radical group beheads elderly hostage in series of kidnapping
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 19, 2009) - International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on Sunday, May 17, villagers discovered the severed head of an elderly Christian farmer who had been abducted by Muslim militants in the southern Philippines nearly a month ago. Police believe these militants had transferred the victim to the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group that is currently holding at least five other hostages. The son of 61-year-old Doroteo Gonzales identified his father's face on Monday after police took on the case. His family had been warned that Gonzales would be killed if they did not pay the ransom of 25 million pesos ($525,000) by Saturday. Gunmen captured Gonzales from his home in Zamboanga city on April 25 and delivered him into the hands of Abu Sayyaf rebels on nearby Basilan Island. The extremist group, infamous for its brutality against Christians and foreigners, has ramped up its efforts to raise money for its activities by embarking on a kidnapping spree throughout the southern part of the country.Christians are often favored targets for these kidnappings. Just last month, militants beheaded another Christian farmer, Cosme Aballes, whom they had taken captive after raiding a Christian community in the same province. According to the BBC, the Philippine government says the radical Muslim group has been trying to evict Christians from its Basilan Island base. Abu Sayyaf and other Muslim militants have been warring in the southern Philippines for almost 30 years to establish an independent Islamic state. In 2007, Abu Sayyaf rebels ordered civilians to deliver the severed heads of seven kidnapped Christians to military outposts in Jolo, another southern Philippine island.Three teachers, a lending-firm collector, and a peace activist are known hostages on Basilan Island. In Jolo, the extremist group is still holding Italian Red Cross Worker Eugenio Vagni, who was captured along with his two colleagues in January. ICC's Regional Manager for East Asia, Natalia Rain, said, "Imagine living in a state where you know you may be seized from your home at any moment and have your fate thrust into the hands of radical terrorists. The brazenness of men who would behead an elderly man for his impoverished family's failure to pay an outrageous ransom should wake us up to the horrifying reality of this thirty-year conflict."PS:Please keep our brothers and sisters in the Philippines in your prayers...!!!!
As in the days of Noah...
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Christians at higher risk after UN conference
International (MNN) ― Several national leaders continue to seethe after Iranian President Ahmadinejad inappropriately made anti-Semitic remarks at a United Nations conference on racism.The dispute over Iran's and Israel's issues caused such a distraction that more pressing matters which should have been addressed in a discussion about racism were dismissed. David Harder of the Christian satellite television network for the Middle East and North Africa, SAT-7, notes the discrepancy from the conference."One of the things that's overarching is that by bringing up issues that Iran has with Israel, they was able to completely neglect the treatment of Christians in the Middle East and North Africa."The topic of Muslim subjugation seems to be brought up quite often in international circles, while the persecution of the Christian minority in the Middle East and North Africa is very much ignored. "There are Christians that live in every country in the region and they suffer; they have difficult times," says Harder."Sometimes the pressure is very overt, and sometimes it's very subtle. Unfortunately, those things weren't dealt with." Christians in hostile areas are at even higher risk now that many of their leaders feel contempt toward the West, due to some Western delegates walking out of the UN conference."Whenever there is animosity towards the West in general, unfortunately the Christian believers in other countries throughout the region are often targeted because many people view Christianity as a Western religion. They don't realize that it truly is a Middle Eastern religion."Harder notes that many people in the West seem to forget this, too, and often do not think about Christians living in the Middle East or North Africa. Although they may be a minority, their presence is still vibrant.To help brothers and sisters in Christ in these areas, Harder encourages you to find and support a ministry that works there. SAT-7 creates television programs to encourage these believers, as well as to reach out to unbelievers. The ministry has seen a great deal of transformation in the region and continues to watch people in countries such as Iraq and Jordan come to the Lord, especially as a result of recent SAT-7 Easter programs.
To help SAT-7 reach more for Christ, click here.
Above all, these persecuted Christians need prayer.
Above all, these persecuted Christians need prayer.
Pray for their safety and protection as tensions rise toward the West.
Pray that they would be free to worship as many of other religions are able.
http://www.mnnonline.org/article/12577
http://www.mnnonline.org/article/12577
As in the days of Noah...
Media celebrities appear on SAT-7's Easter program
Lebanon (MNN)-In the Middle East, Lebanon has the largest indigenous Christian community by percentage; around 30 percent of Lebanon's population is comprised of believers.Some of these believers have influential roles in Lebanon media, and they shared their faith recently on a special SAT-7 Easter program titled "And Follow Me." As hosts of many well-known Lebanon T.V. programs, many viewers weren't aware that they were Christians.The hosts shared the importance of their faith and profiled a number of ministries working to help the area's poor, refugees and orphans. Also featured were a number of musical performances recorded in front of a live studio audience.The vast majority of people in the Middle East don't know the claims of Jesus: His divinity, His death and resurrection. Most non-Christians are taught that Jesus was only a man, and they believe that Judas either took Christ's place on the cross or that Jesus didn't really die and was later revived. A holiday such as Easter, which celebrates Christ's resurrection, is foreign to many in the Middle East.SAT-7 broadcast the truth of Easter through their holiday special and many other Easter programs shown through the month of April. Live youth and children's shows, films, live church services, and documentaries all describe the reality of Christ's resurrection.Pray that these special programs will prompt many to inquire about the Gospel and search the Scriptures.
Over $750,000 is needed to cover the costs of special productions, programming and air time for all three SAT-7 channels. If you could help meet these financial needs, click here to donate.
As in the days of Noah...
UZBEKISTAN:Urgent prayer needed for SGA-sponsored pastor
Uzbekistan (MNN)-As religious oppression continues in Uzbekistan, ripple effects are reaching innocent children. Pastor Pavel Nenno, sponsored by the Slavic Gospel Association, was detained at the beginning of the month on illegal religious activity charges. The pastor's family is concerned for his health, as he has been sent to a strict confinement facility and has very high blood pressure."We really need people to pray that the Lord would intervene in the situation," said SGA's Joel Griffith, "that Pavel would be released, and that this case actually would be thrown out."As a result of Nenno's imprisonment, his center for homeless children was shut down. One of the children who regularly attended Nenno's center went to play at a local train station because the center was closed. What started as innocent play soon had devastating results."Apparently the child slipped in front of a train, and his leg was severed,"Griffith said.On March 27, while Nenno was leading activities for the 65 children who regularly attend his center, police raided the building and confiscated two computers containing his communications with SGA. They also took Bibles, a small pastor's library, and Nenno's work files.Although he was arrested at the time, Nenno was soon released, and the case was thought to be settled with a fine. However, Nenno was immediately arrested again after appearing in court and sentenced to 15 days in jail.He faces several charges, including conducting illegal religious activities with children and using Christian literature in educational activities with children.Nenno's wife asks for urgent prayer; he has been taken to a strict facility where the cells have no beds, and family isn't allowed to bring him food. Nenno has extremely high blood pressure, and his wife is meeting with the police officials in charge of this case.Religious oppression has increased in Uzbekistan, with a rise in police raids, detentions of believers, and deportations of foreigners participating in religious activities.In a documentary aired last year on Uzbek television, missionary activities were placed on the same level as "religious dogmatism, fundamentalism, terrorism and drug addiction."But while churches in Uzbekistan feel increased governmental pressure, Griffith says religious oppression is not unique to the country."This seems to be something that's just spreading across those former Soviet republics in Asia which are largely Muslim in make-up."PS:Please remember this precious family in prayer and pray for the inmediate release of Pastor Pavel..Pray for all those former soviet republics in Asia...
As in the days of Noah...
"Taliban wants Pakistan"...says Open Doors
Pakistan (MNN)Taliban-enforced sharia law went into effect this week in part of Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province, and many believe this is the first step toward seizing control of the country.President of Open Doors USA Carl Moeller agrees."Look at the prize that's on the table with Pakistan. You have a country with nuclear weapons, the fifth or sixth largest army in the world, sea port access, and it's geo-politically strategic enough that the United States has invested billions of dollars there over the course of 50 years," he says.Pakistan ceding this part of the country to the Taliban means it's only a matter of time. Moeller says, "I think we've got about 12 to 18 months before Pakistan falls into utter chaos. There's no unifying force against these extremists. So, most people are really nervous."While sharia law has just been implemented, already the Taliban is exercising harsh punishment. According to published reports, an adult couple who attempted to elope was executed because these families didn't approve of the marriage. In another case, a 17-year-old girl was beaten severely for talking to a man who wasn't her husband.According to Moeller that punishment will affect the minority Christians. "The Taliban have no conscience when it comes to taking out their perceived offenses against Islam, against Christians will extreme violence -- murder and public humiliation and beatings."This is a concern because many of the people doing humanitarian work in Pakistan are Christians. "People don't realize there may be six or eight million Christians in Pakistan," says Moeller. "A number of these people are doctors, nurses, and other workers that are in these areas and are experiencing great repression. Some have been kidnapped and have disappeared." Sharia law has already had a negative impact on the church, says Moeller."The Muslim-background believer church is in deep hiding right now because of the increased violence against visible Christians."Open Doors is providing help for these believers. "Those who have turned to Christ from Islam, in many cases, have to relocate. They have to get new identities because their families will carry out the dictates of sharia law against them: anyone who leaves Islam is an apostate and worthy of death."Despite the oppression, Moeller says church leaders are still committed to preaching the Gospel. He spoke at a recent pastor's conference and came away moved. "They were rejoicing in the prospect of taking the Gospel to people who are afraid and hurting. In general, when people are fearful and there's a great foreboding, the message of the Gospel resonates more deeply in people's hearts and souls."In the meantime, Moeller is asking people to pray.
He's hoping more than 100,000 people will commit to pray for Pakistan and other countries where Christians face persecution daily.
http://www.mnnonline.org/article/12552
As in the days of Noah...
IRAN:Pray for Mohsen and Feresthe
When the Iranian secret police arrested Brother Mohsen, they made their intentions clear. First and foremost, they wanted to punish him for his “apostasy” by leaving Islam to follow Jesus Christ. But this was not their only aim. They also wanted to force Mohsen to divulge the names of his contacts, to tell them about his network, and to disclose the names of the others he was ministering to.But Mohsen stood firm. Angered by his silence, the secret police resorted to torture. But still Mohsen refused.Angered by his silence, the secret police resorted to torture.to speak.The torture continued until Mohsen was so ill that he was granted bail in order to receive medical treatment. Some of his teeth were broken. His spinal cord was damaged and his face injured.Knowing that the secret police would quickly return to take Mohsen back into custody, he and his wife Feresthe seized the opportunity to escape.They managed to leave Iran and sought refuge in Turkey.Now, several months later, Mohsen and Feresthe, along with their 12-year-old son, are waiting to hear the result of their United Nations asylum application.They greatly value your prayers for the outcome—to return to Iran would mean certain imprisonment and possible execution. Meanwhile, Mohsen and Feresthe are seeking to serve the Lord in their new town. Each week they meet with a small group of Iranian believers also seeking refuge in Turkey.Please pray that the Lord will encourage and uphold each of them, and that He will provide for the families’ practical and financial needs.
http://www.opendoorsusa.org/content/view/936
PS:Continue to pray for this family and the many iranians seeking asylum and the persecuted believers in Turkey.To know more about this and other cases,you can always visit the Open Doors website at:
http://www.opendoorsusa.org
As in the days of Noah...
Brother Sani says, "I cannot thank you enough... God has used you mightily!":Your prayers are answered as Nigerian Christian is freed from jail
When a Nigerian court sentenced him to three years in jail back in late 2007, Brother Sani cried out to God for help. And thankfully, the Lord heard his cry. Today, having served less than half his sentence, Sani is a free man!Sentenced on blasphemy charges, and without the right to appeal, Sani’s legal situation was bleak at the outset. Open Doors intervened and quickly hired a lawyer for Sani. Despite many challenges and threats during the legal proceedings, our lawyer held his ground and fought tirelessly for Sani’s freedom. His perseverance paid off. Finally, the judge had no option but to release Sani on the grounds of lack of evidence. “I cannot thank you enough,” exclaims Sani. “I never thought I would be out of prison by now. But God has used you mightily to fight on my behalf. No one but you came to help me. Thank you!”But it’s not only our legal support for which Sani thanks God. He and his family have been overwhelmed by the love and concern of Open Doors supporters around the world, expressed in prayers and letters of encouragement.“I think God loves me most by giving me these people to pray for me. There is such unity in the Body of Christ! I don’t know these people, but my God knows them all—and He will bless them!”Brother I, a local Open Doors co-worker, visited Sani soon after his release. “I could see in Sani how the prayers of believers around the world were at work,” I says. “Sani is full of life and zealous to keep walking with the Lord after his experience.”What a joy to see how the Lord has been at work in sustaining and strengthening Sani during his time in prison, and has brought about his miraculous release.Thank you for praying..!
PS:Oh My God....!Look at his face.....! and all those letters....!PRAISE GOD he IS FREE....!!!!!Continue to pray for him,for his safety,protection and provision....!!!
As in the days of Noah...
NIGERIA WATCH:Meeting the Physical and Spiritual Needs of Stricken Believers in Jos
The Christians of the city of Jos are familiar with suffering. The capital of Plateau state, a Christian region bordered by seven Islamic sharia* states, has seen much violence in recent years.Still vivid in the memories of the people of Jos is the outbreak of rioting in 2001. During those months of violence, hundreds lost their lives in the fighting, which led to much bloodshed, carnage and untold suffering.The people of Jos were fearful when tensions began to rise again last November. Their worst fears were quickly realized when once again violence erupted.Official reports claim that this most recent bloodbath was politically motivated because Muslims were unhappy with the outcome of local elections. Some Christian leaders think, however, that extremists used the elections as an excuse to rid Jos of Christians and to move towards forcibly claiming the city for Islam.Whatever the cause, the results of the violence are stark. More than 30,000 people were displaced from their homes, and are now living in makeshift camps. Forty-five church buildings were looted and burned. And 129 Christians—including five pastors—were killed....To read more go to:
As in the days of Noah...
Muslim Employer Brings Justice to Christian Employee's Raped Daughter:Police Pressure Father to Drop Case
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WASHINGTON, D.C.-International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that as of April 6th, four of the six thieves who raped Naomi Rafiq, a Christian girl, had been arrested and imprisoned by the local police. While the local police have promised to track down the remaining two suspects, Naomi's father says that he is being pressured by the police and elders of the neighboring town, where the thieves are from, to drop his lawsuit.In answer to prayers and the protests of the Christian community of Cheecha Watni, Pakistan (see ICC's report from February 17), police finally started an investigation into the rape and robbery after the Muslim employer of the victims filed a lawsuit against the suspects. Muhammad Akram Khan owns a brick kiln called Allah Waris Bricks Company and employs the Christian families that were robbed on January 10 (see ICC's report of the robbery). Khan told ICC that he "loves and takes care of his workers," and said that the police will continue the investigation until they find the remaining two suspects.The Sherriff of the police department, the Saddr Police Station in Cheecha Watni, told ICC that the suspects that police had apprehended so far are Muhammad Akram son of Abdul Majeed, Ibrar son of Abdul Majeed, Maqsood son of Sultan Ahmed and Nadir son of Hassan Ali. The Sherriff promised that these men would be punished and said that the police had recovered the stolen items and returned them to the Christian families.However, Rafiq Masih, Naomi's father, told ICC that these four suspects belong to influential Muslim families from a neighboring village, and that the police and elders of the village are issuing threats for him to drop his case against the rapists.In another answer to prayer, Rafiq said that his daughter has physically recovered from her injuries.Please continue to pray for her emotional and mental recovery.
Jeremy Sewall, ICC's Advocacy Director, said, "It is rare to find a Muslim employer who will treat Christian employees well in Pakistan, let alone come to their defense. While Naomi and her father still need prayer, it is an incredible answer to prayer that police have pursued the suspects to the extent that they have. Unfortunately, this only goes to show how much discrimination Christians normally face from the justice system in Pakistan."
http://www.persecution.org/
PS:Praise God for these developments....!!!Keep this girl,her family and Mr.Khan in your prayers....We serve a GREAT GOD....!!!!
As in the days of Noah...
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