Four Christians murdered in Mosul, Iraq

The Christian community in Mosul, Iraq was targeted in recent days in brutal attacks that some believe are motivated by the upcoming March 7 parliamentary elections. On February 13, Sabah al Dahhan was kidnapped by a gang that has since demanded a large sum of money for his release. The next day, Rayan Bashir Salem was shot and killed in his home by armed assailants. Rayan's brother was also wounded in the attack. On February 15, a 42-year old believer, Najim Abdullah Fatoukhi, was murdered in front of his fruit and vegetable shop in a drive-by shooting. Two Christian university students, Zayid Thomas (21) and Ramsen Shamyael (22), were shot by a gunman on February 16. Zayid died from his wounds and Ramsen was injured. The following day, another Christian student, Wissam Georges (20), was shot multiple times while on his way to teachers' college. (Sources: AsiaNews, AFP, The Christian Post)

Pray for the friends and family members mourning the loss of these believers. Pray that the Christian community in Mosul will not be fearful but trust God (Revelation 2:10). Pray that Sabah will be released from his captors unharmed. Pray for protection and stability for other Iraqi believers as the elections approach. To post a prayer of solidarity with suffering believers in Iraq, go to the Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

You can find out more about the plight of Iraqi Christians at the Iraq Country Report.

Arrests of Christians continue in Iran

Seven Christians, six of whom are converts from Islam, have been detained since their arrests in the city of Shiraz, Iran on January 11. The believers have reportedly been offered release on bail; however, the bail for each of them is equivalent to approximately $30,000 CAD.

Elsewhere in the country, three Iranian Christians remain in detention after they were arrested by security forces in Pakdasht on December 24 (for more, click here). A few days later, the sister of one of the three detained Christians was also arrested in the city of Isfahan along with another Christian convert from Islam. All of those detained are reportedly being denied family visits and access to legal representation. (Source: Middle East Concern)

Pray for the release of these Christians. Pray that they will come into a deeper relationship with Christ as they embrace the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:7-10). Pray that the Lord will give strength and encouragement to their families.

Learn more about how Christians are persecuted in Iran by visiting the Iran Country Report.

North Korea's "Dear Leader" celebrates lavish birthday while citizens suffer

On February 16, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Il, celebrated his 68th birthday with many festivities, including dance performances and the screening of a documentary promoting himself as a great leader. However, the reality for the people living in this restrictive nation is starkly different. In particular, North Koreans are currently suffering severely because of sky-rocketing inflation and the shortage of daily necessities. Nationwide, more and more people are starving to death. In Hwanghae province, there are increasing numbers of homeless children and people dying of starvation. A recent report from a North Korean Christian stated, "It's normal to see children lying dead on the street."

Christianity is considered a political crime in North Korea, since it recognizes an authority greater than the "Dear Leader." Merely possessing a Bible risks public execution and tens of thousands of believers are incarcerated as political criminals in the country's concentration camps. Many don't survive more than a few years and those who are not killed usually starve. (Sources: Open Doors USA, Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin, The Christian Post)

Pray for boldness and strength for Christians living in North Korea. Pray that those living in hopelessness in this restrictive nation will find hope in Christ. Pray that Kim Jong Il will repent of his evil deeds and turn to Jesus for forgiveness. Pray that God's unrestrained mercy will spill over North Korea, frustrating the wicked (Psalm 146:9b) and delivering the oppressed (Psalm 40:11-13).

To find out more about the plight of North Korean Christians, click here. The March edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter shares testimonies of North Koreans risking everything to share the Good News with others. You can subscribe today.