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ARCHIVE
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April 16, 2008
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Four Teachers Killed in Somalia
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Four teachers, two British citizens of Somali origin - Mr. Daud Hassan Ali (64) and Ms. Rehana Ahmed (32) - and two unidentified Kenyans, were shot and killed by Islamist insurgents during a midnight raid on the Hakab Private English School in the town of Beledweyne, south-central Somalia on April 13. Al-Shabab, the militant Islamic group responsible for the violence, alleged that they fired indiscriminately and that the teachers were killed in cross-fire. Local people, however, believe that the teachers were singled out for their suspected evangelistic work. The wife of Daud Hassan Ali alleged that her husband was targeted because he was a Muslim-born convert to Christianity.
Pray that the families of those killed will rest in the knowledge that those who die in the Lord will be raised with Him (1 Cor. 15:50-58). Pray that the perpetrators of this attack will come to repentance and salvation, just as Paul did. Pray for wisdom and protection for those serving Christ in Somalia at great risk.
For more information on the persecution facing Somalia's Christians, click here.
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Christian Killed for Practicing "Black Magic" in India
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 A Christian leader, Thakur Sing Bhil (55), was killed by his brother in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh on April 3, according to an April 15 report from Compass Direct. Bhil was at home with his wife and son when his brother, Mangar Singh, entered their house in a drunken rage and shot an arrow in his chest at close range, killing him instantly. According to Bhil's wife, Singh thought that his brother's Christian faith was "black magic" that caused his teenage daughter's death three months ago from an illness. Bhil had reportedly faced opposition from his relatives since converting to Christianity two years ago.
Pray for Bhil's wife, son and daughter-in-law as they mourn for him. Pray that they will rely on the Lord's strength and not on their own. Pray that Christ will be exalted through this tragedy and that people in this area will continue to be drawn to Him (Phil. 1:20).
For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, click here.
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Uygur Christians on Trial in China
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Two Uygur Christians are currently on trial for their faith, according to an April 14 report from China Aid Association.
In September, Wusiman Yiming was sentenced to criminal detention for "divulging State secrets" by the State Security Bureau of Southern Xinjiang in the city of Hetian. Last November, he was sentenced to two years "re-education through labour." His family hired an attorney to file an appeal, which was approved on March 20. His appeal trial is scheduled for April 16 at Kashi People's Court. There is considerable concern for Yiming's health as he suffers from malnutrition and a serious hand injury.
Also in September, Alimujiang Yimiti, a married father of two, was charged with "illegal religious activities" and taken into custody on accusations of "subversion of the National Government and endangering national security." Officials are expected to announce Yimiti's sentence by the end of April. If convicted, he is subject to capital punishment.
Pray that Yiming's appeal will be successful. Pray that Yimiti will not be convicted. Pray that these believers and their families will remain faithful and entrust the final outcome to the Supreme Judge (Romans 12:9-21).
For more information on the persecution facing Christians in China, click here.
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Pastor Beaten and Jailed in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Uzbek Christians meeting in the desert for prayer
Believers face onging pressure from authorities
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Pastor Bobur Aslamov was beaten and jailed on April 3 in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan following a police raid on a house church meeting, according to a report from Forum 18 on April 11. Other members of the house church were also beaten during the raid. The pastor remains in detention in an unknown location. At last report, no formal charges had been filed against him.
Pray for the release of Pastor Aslamov from prison. Pray that Uzbek Christians will continue to share Christ fearlessly despite the ongoing pressure for His Name (Ephesians 6:18-20).
For more information on the difficulties facing Christians in Uzbekistan, click here. You can order a 20-minute video documenting the
persecution of Christians in Uzbekistan. "Uzbek Voices" is available through our online catalogue.
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Christian Sentenced in Algeria
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An Algerian Christian was handed a two-year suspended sentence on April 9 for giving a Bible to an undercover police officer, according to an April 10 report from Compass Direct. The written verdict convicting the Christian for "proselytism" was delivered on April 2 by a court in Tiaret, 150 miles southwest of Algiers.
The believer, who wished to remain anonymous, gave the Bible to the policeman who posed as someone interested in Christianity and insisted in obtaining a copy of the Scriptures. He plans to appeal the suspended sentence, which includes a fine of 100,000 dinars ($1540 CAD).
Ask God to give peace and boldness to this believer during this time (Philippians 4:5-7). Continue to pray for the Church in Algeria as it faces ongoing opposition for the sake of Christ.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Algeria, click here.
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 Check out the most recent weblog commentaries by VOMC CEO, Glenn Penner:
- In "Press 905.670.9721 to Reach....A Real Person," Glenn discusses one practical way in which The Voice of the Martyrs will try to keep a personal touch with its constituency.
- Glenn asks if we really believe if Jesus is the only way to God in the blog "Criticism for Affirming the Need for Christ" which examines recent events where the commitment to evangelize Muslims and Jews has raised controversy.
- In "China's Olympic Promises," a litany of promises made by the Chinese government is recounted and the question is asked, is China keeping its Olympic promises? If so, why do you say so? If not, what should the world's response be? Your comments are welcome.
- Glenn asks "Is Doctrine Worth Dying For?" in an opening discussion of some of the issues raised by the emergent church movement and how they relate to the persecution of Christians.
- Read a recent letter that Glenn received from Maxime Bernier, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, regarding the recent crackdown and trials of Christians in Algeria in "Letter from the Foreign Affairs Minister."
To make comments on these and previous VOMC weblogs, go to persecutedchurch.blogspot.com.
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