The Persecution & Prayer Alert

The Persecution & Prayer Alert

The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada

http://www.persecution.net

Thursday, July 28, 2011

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are
suffering, as though something

strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the
sufferings of Christ,

so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

– 1 Peter 4:12-13

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In this week’s edition: reports from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Laos and
Tajikistan.

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1. Update: Muslims convicted for murdering Christian in Pakistan

(Source: European Centre for Law and Justice)

Three Muslims were recently sentenced to life in prison for murdering
a Christian who refused to convert to Islam. Rasheed Masih, a
36-year-old potato business owner in Punjab province, was brutally
killed in March 2010 by Muslims resentful of his success. Rasheed was
also pressured to renounce his faith (for more on the story see

http://www.persecution.net/pk-2010-03-25a.htm

). On July 7, the Sessions Court in Mian Channu convicted the three
men of torturing and killing Rasheed and sentenced them to life
sentences of 25 years. They were also each ordered to pay 100,000
rupees (approximately $1,000 CAD) to Rasheed’s family. A fourth
suspect was acquitted.

Thank the Lord that Rasheed’s murderers were brought to justice by the
court. Pray that they will repent of their actions and come to know
Christ as Lord. Pray for continued comfort and provision for Rasheed’s
family. Pray that authorities will strive to provide safety for
vulnerable Christians and other minorities in Pakistan.

In Pakistan, Christians are routinely denied justice by the court.
Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman sentenced to death for blasphemy, is
currently waiting for a court’s ruling on her appeal. For more
information on Asia Bibi and to sign a petition calling for her
release, visit VOM-USA’s petition site at http://www.CallForMercy.com
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To find out more about the challenges facing the Church in Pakistan,
go to http://www.persecution.net/pakistan.htm
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2. Violence against Christians in Sri Lanka

(Source: National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka)

Several Christians were assaulted and threatened throughout Sri Lanka
in recent weeks.

A pastor was assaulted after attending a meeting convened by a
Buddhist monk in Ampara District, Eastern Province on July 10. During
the meeting, which was in regard to land distribution, the pastor was
assaulted by the monk and others present. The monk kicked the pastor,
resulting in serious injuries to his arm and stomach. The assailants
later followed the pastor to his home and continued to verbally abuse
him and members of his family.

On the evening of July 19, a mob of approximately 50 people attacked
the homes of five Christian families in Badulla District in Uva
Province. The assailants threw stones which damaged the roofs and
broke windows with clubs and rocks. Some families fled in fear to the
jungle and waited for the attack to abate. A grocery shop belonging to
one of the families was demolished and goods were stolen. The shop
owner was also seriously injured. At last report there were plans to
force these Christian families to renounce Christianity or leave the
village.

Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray that these
Christians will not become fearful but will trust the Lord in all
things. Pray that the Lord will continue to make Sri Lankan Christians
strong to lovingly and boldly proclaim the gospel amid persecution
(Ephesians 6:18-20).

To find out more about persecution in Sri Lanka, visit

http://www.persecution.net/srilanka.htm

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3. Lao Christian kicked out by family for refusing witch doctor

(Source: VOM-USA)

A Christian in Laos was recently kicked out of his home for taking his
daughter to a medical doctor rather than seeking treatment from a
witch doctor. Twenty-six-year-old “Noy” lived with his wife and their
two children in his in-laws’ home. He began facing opposition from his
family members when he converted to Christianity because he attended
church on Sundays rather than work in the field. When his daughter
became ill, the family told Noy to take her to a witch doctor.
Instead, Noy said, “I will take my daughter to the hospital. God will
rescue her life.” His in-laws cursed him and burned his Bible and
other Christian books while he was at the hospital. When Noy returned
after his daughter’s recovery, his in-laws told him he couldn’t live
there unless he renounced his faith. Noy refused, saying, “How can I
forsake the living God?” They then forced him to leave the house. With
help from The Voice of the Martyrs workers, Noy and his family have
purchased a simple bamboo house, but are without basic necessities
such as food, clothing and materials for farming.

Thank the Lord that Noy and his family stood firm in their faith and
that they are continuing to attend church joyfully. Pray that God will
provide for their physical needs and guard their hearts against
anxiety. Pray that Christians in Laos will be a bold testimony of love
to those around them.

For more on the persecution of Christians in Laos, visit the Laos
Country Report at http://www.persecution.net/laos.htm
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4. New restrictions on religious freedom in Tajikistan

(Source: Forum 18)

The Upper Chamber of Tajikistan’s Parliament recently adopted two
legal measures that will further restrict religious freedom,
particularly the religious education of children. On July 21, a new
Parental Responsibility Law was passed, banning almost all children
under 18 from participating in religious activity. At the same time,
an amendment to the Criminal Code was passed to punish organizers of
“extremist religious” teaching — an unidentified concept that could
easily be applied against Christian leaders.

Both of the new legal measures — which still need to be signed by
President Emomali Rahmon to come into force — come just two weeks
after an amendment made to the country’s Religion Law decreed tight
restrictions on religious education abroad for children and adults.

Pray for an end to restrictions on religious freedom in Tajikistan.
Ask the Lord to continue to equip believers to make the most of every
opportunity to share their faith. Pray for wisdom for all believers in
the nation as they serve Christ and witness to those who do not yet
know Him as Lord.

To find out more about the trials facing Christians in Tajikistan, go
to http://www.persecution.net/tajikistan.htm
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The Persecution & Prayer Alert is a ministry of The Voice of the
Martyrs, Canada. (Mailing address: P.O. Box 608, Streetsville,
Ontario, L5M 2C1)

Tel. (905) 670.9721. Website: http://www.persecution.net