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
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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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Security Beefed Up for Peaceful Christmas in India

NEW DELHI – Authorities in communally sensitive Kandhamal district, Orissa state, have beefed up security for vulnerable Christians.Thousands of police have been deployed in the district to prevent any attacks or violence during Christmas.
"All hot spot areas in Kandhamal have been secured. We have also intensified checking in all entry and exit points," said Superintendent of Police S. Praveen Kumar.He told media that police patrolling will be enhanced to ensure a trouble-free Christmas.
Major violence against Christians began during the Yuletide celebration in 2007. Dozens of churches were razed down and many were beaten on concocted allegations.Following this, the murder of a Hindu leader in August 2008 triggered one of the worst incidents of anti-Christian violence in the country. Hundreds were killed, thousands of homes were burned and looted, and churches were attacked by anti-social elements....
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Christians in Vietnam Hold Another Historic Celebration

HANOI (Compass Direct News)For the second time in 10 days, Protestant history was made in Vietnam Sunday when 12,000 people gathered for a Christmas rally here.The event, which took place in the large square in front of the entrance to My Dinh National Stadium in the heart of Hanoi, was said to be 10 times larger than any prior Protestant gathering in history in northern Vietnam. On Dec. 11 in southern Vietnam, an estimated 40,000 people attended a Christmas celebration in Ho Chi Minh City.
Local sources said long-requested written permission for the event, entitled “Praise Jesus Together,” never came in spite of several reminders. But four days before the event was to take place, Hanoi authorities and police told organizers – in words as close as they would get to granting permission – that they would “not interfere.”
“One can hardly overestimate the importance of such an event in the lives of northern house church Christians,” said one long-time Compass source. “For many, this will have been the first time to join in a large crowd with other Christians, to feel the growing power of their movement, to hear, see and participate in the high quality, and deeply spiritual mass worship.”
The day before the event, Christians gathered near the stadium for final prayer and to help with preparations. Witnesses said the huge public square at the entrance to the stadium was arrayed with thousands of stools rather than chairs – plastic, backless, and bright blue and red. In 10-foot tall letters, “JESUS’ was emblazoned on the backdrop to the stage...
READ MORE
--Unprecedented Christmas Gathering Held in Vietnam

Iraqi Christians Face Bomb Threats in Run-Up to Christmas

Iraqi Christians buy a Christmas tree in central Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. Although the number of Christians has dropped in Iraq, Christmas, a national holiday in Iraq, is very popular in the capital.(Photo: AP Images / Karim Kadim)

Some churches in Iraq have canceled Christmas services to protect themselves against the threats of bombings on churches.Just a day before Christmas Eve, a bomb planted near Church of St. Thomas in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul killed two men and wounded five others on Wednesday.Earlier this month, a series of bombs left four people dead in Mosul.
"I’m very sad that we are not able to have our rituals for Christmas this year and not have a sermon, but we do not want any Christians to be harmed," Edward Poles, a Christian priest at Sa’a Church in Mosul, which was bombed last week, told The New York Times.
While Christians in the United States prepare to gather in churches and homes to celebrate Christmas, believers in more religiously restrictive countries face more intense persecution during the holiday season....
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Ethnic Korean Pastor Expelled from Tianjin and Church Abolished

Pastor Han Changxu

The Office of Religious Affairs notice abolishing Immanuel Church and banning Pastor Han Changxu from serving in the church

TIANJIN – On May 16, 2009, the Office for Religious Affairs in Jinghai county, Tianjin issued a notice abolishing Immanuel Church and banning Pastor Han Changxu, an ethnic Korean, from serving in the church.
Pastor Han Changxu , a native of Heilongjiang province, was ordained as a pastor by the Presbyterian Church in 2008. He has been serving in Immanuel Church in Jinghai county, Tianjin since 2004. During the 2008 Olympics, authorities in Tianjin placed Pastor Han on surveillance when they discovered he had contacts with missionaries from South Korea.
Authorities in Jinghai County of Tianjin have tried to prevent Pastor Han Changxu from having contact with churches in South Korea. In March of this year a Christian brother from South Korea attended a Sunday service at Immanuel Church, was detained by the PSB officers and subsequently expelled from China. Afterwards, authorities began to persecute the church and the pastors from both China and South Korea.
ChinaAid strongly denounces the relevant authorities in Jinghai County of Tianjin for their illegal action of persecuting freedom of belief. ChinaAid urges authorities in Jinghai County of Tianjin to restore Immanuel Church and restore freedom to Pastor Han Changxu to serve the church and to the believers to worship God.
Contact the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C. to on behalf of Pastor Han Changxu and Immanuel Church:

Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong

3505 International Place, NW,

Washington, D.C. 20008

Tel: (202) 495-2000

Fax: (202) 588-9760

Source: http://www.Chinaid.org

PS:Please keep Pastor Changxu and Immanuel Church members as well as all their contacts in and outside China in your prayers.Help Pastor Changxu....!!!

As in the days of Noah...

Historic Church Ransacked in Northwest Pakistan

WASHINGTON, D.C.-International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that a historic church in a secure area of northwest Pakistan was ransacked and vandalized the night of May 11. Rev. Ijaz Masih, the pastor of St. George Grecian Church in Bannu Cantt, told ICC that he had presided over a beautiful Sunday service on May 10. On the morning of May 12, however, laborers who were working to renovate the church were shocked when they arrived and found the church's cross broken in pieces, the altar demolished and partially burned, Bibles and hymnbooks burned and torn apart, and the pews reduced to ashes. The attackers even ransacked the bathrooms and cemented over a plaque inscribed with the names of the donors responsible for the original construction of the building.Local Christians were astounded that the attackers could sneak into the church and vandalize it without being noticed by anyone in the neighborhood. They are especially concerned because the church is located within a military zone and thus is considered to be in a very secure location. Rev. Ijaz told ICC that he had started as the pastor of St. George Church two years ago, and that the Christians in Bannu Cantt had been living peacefully with their Muslim neighbors. Rev. Ijaz believes that the attack was carried out by radical Muslims linked to the Taliban or Al Qaeda with the goal of provoking a clash between local Christians and Muslims.A Christian advocacy group in Pakistan, the Center for Legal Aid, Assistance, and Settlement (CLAAS), reported that even though police have registered the attack, they are not investigating it as they would if the attack had been on a mosque.

Jeremy Sewall, ICC's Advocacy Director, said, "Please pray for the members of St. George, that God would give them courage in the midst of this frightening situation. This attack clearly shows that Muslim radicals continue to operate with impunity in Pakistan."

Source: http://www.persecution.org/