The Persecution & Prayer Alert
The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada
www.persecution.net

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

A weekly news digest on the Persecuted Church and how you can respond.

"Remember Them" -- find out how. Go to www.rememberthem.ca.

Subscribe to the RSS feed at www.persecution.net/pnp.xml.
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In this week's edition: Reports from Somalia, Philippines, India, Pakistan and China
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1. Somali Christian Killed by Muslim Militants

David Abdulwahab Mohamed Ali (29), a convert to Christianity from Islam, was killed by Muslim militants on April 22 at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the Somali town of Baidawa, according to an April 29 report from International Christian Concern (www.persecution.org). A cousin of Ali and two members of Al-Shabab, a militant Islamic organization affiliated with Al-Qaeda, were reportedly responsible for the murder. Ali, an evangelist who had helped to lead many to Christ, had been living in Ethiopia since 2000 and was in Somalia to visit family members.

Pray that those who mourn for Ali will rest in the knowledge that those who die in the Lord will be raised with Him (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Pray that God will embolden Somali Christians to follow the example of those who were martyred for Him (Ephesians 4:1).

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Somalia, go to www.persecution.net/country/somalia.htm.
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2. Pastor Killed in Mindanao, Philippines

Pastor Vic Vicera was shot dead by unknown assailants in Mindanao on April 15, according to VOMC contacts in the Philippines. That evening, the attackers stormed into Pastor Vicera's home and opened fire on him, his wife and another pastor present. Pastor Vicera was shot eight times and killed. His wife, Beth, was shot in her hand and leg. Pastor Saturnino was also shot in his leg. Local Christians suspect that the attackers were Muslim militants. Pastor Vicera lived and worked among Muslims and some of them had reportedly tried to convince him to convert to Islam.

Pray for the family and congregation of Pastor Vicera. Pray for healing for his wife and Pastor Saturnino. Pray that Christians in Mindanao will rejoice in their afflictions knowing that those who share in Christ's sufferings will also share in His glory (1 Peter 4:12-13).

For more information on the difficulties facing Christians in Philippines, go to www.persecution.net/country/philippines.htm.
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3. Pastor Martyred in Jharkhand, India

Pastor Letaro Horo was killed by a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Hindu militant group in the village of Burju, Jharkhand state on April 28. The militant, Durgan Mundu, invited Pastor Horo to his home to pray for healing for his family members. When Horo closed his eyes to pray, Mundu sliced his throat with an axe, killing him instantly.

Pray that those who mourn for Pastor Horo will find strength, courage and peace in Christ. Pray that God will raise up other cross-bearing disciples to continue His work in India.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to www.persecution.net/country/india.htm.
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4. Christian Doctor Falsely Accused of Blasphemy in Pakistan

Dr. Robin Sardar (55) was falsely accused of blasphemy by a local Muslim, Muhammad Rafique, in the district of Hafizabad, Punjab on May 5, according to a May 7 report from Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan. The tension between the men was sparked six months ago, when Rafique visited Sardar's clinic. Rafique shook the hands of his Muslim friends present but refused to shake Sardar's hand, saying, "It's my insult to shake hand with a Christian." Some weeks later, Rafique was angered when Sardar stopped him from setting up his shop stall in front of his clinic. He then filed a case against Sardar falsely accusing him of "humiliating the prophet Muhammad."

When local Muslims heard of the charges, they used a loudspeaker to demand the killing of Dr. Sardar, calling him a "kaffir" (infidel). A mob intent on killing Dr. Sardar and his family surrounded his home but the police were able to prevent any violence. The militants then pressured the police to arrest Dr. Sardar on charges of blasphemy. He has been detained in a local prison. His family has fled to an unknown location in fear of further violence.

Pray for God to comfort and encourage Dr. Sardar in prison. Pray that his family will rely on the Lord to strengthen and protect them (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). Pray for Christians in Pakistan as they serve the Lord amidst severe opposition.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to www.persecution.net/country/pakistan.htm.
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5. House Church Pastors Detained in Inner Mongolia, China

Two house church pastors, Sun Chuan Min (27) and Sun Shi Ying (24) were detained by members of the Arong Qi Security and Religious Affairs Bureau in the city of Daqing, Inner Mongolia on May 1, according to a May 6 report from China Aid Association. Both were taken to the local police station. Officials also confiscated a video camera, books, food supplies and other items from the Daqing church.

Pray that these pastors will be released. Pray that their passion for Christ will be the light that draws others to Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16).

For more information on the persecution of Christians in China, go to www.persecution.net/country/china.htm.
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6. Jailed Chinese Bookstore Owner Facing New Charges

Shi Weihan (37), a Chinese Christian bookstore owner who was re-arrested on March 19 on charges of "illegally" printing and distributing Christian literature, faces new charges of being a "dangerous religious element," according to an April 28 report from China Aid Association. Weihan was first arrested on November 29 and released in early January due to insufficient evidence (for more details see www.persecution.net/news/china206.html). There remains concern for his health in prison as he is a diabetic and officials have refused him medical treatment.
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7. Check Out the May Persecution Report

Be sure to check out the May edition of VOMC's monthly webcast, The Persecution Report. This month's report features up-to-date news, interviews and testimonies from around the world including India, Pakistan and Laos. The Persecution Report is available on either VOMC's home page or on our multimedia website, www.persecution.tv. If you have a website, consider adding The Persecution Report as a way of raising a voice for the persecuted. For more information, visit the Persecution Report's links page (www.persecution.net/pr_link.html) or contact our webmaster at www.persecution.net/contact.htm.