Update: More bomb attacks on churches in Mosul, Iraq

Update: More bomb attacks on churches in Mosul, Iraq

Two separate bombs struck churches in Mosul, Iraq on the morning of December 23. At approximately 11:00 a.m., a bomb was detonated near the Syrian Orthodox church of St. Thomas. Elsewhere in the city, three people were killed -- one Christian and two Muslims -- when a bomb hidden in a cart of vegetables exploded outside the Chaldean church of St. George. These attacks are the latest in a series of bombings in the city in recent months, including incidents on November 26 (click here for more details) and December 15 (click here for more information on that incident). The recent bombings, just two days before Christmas, have intensified fears among Mosul's Christian community, yet many Iraqi believers remain unshaken in their commitment to serving Christ. "The message of peace and hope announced by angels remains our best wishes for Christmas for the entire country," said Louis Sako, the archbishop of Kirkuk. "We want to work together to build peace and hope in the hearts of all men and women of Iraq." (Sources: AsiaNews, AFP)

Pray for those who have lost loved ones in these attacks. Pray for healing for those injured. Pray that the presence and peace of Jesus will sustain Iraqi believers and compel them to share God's Truth with their Muslim neighbours.

For more information on the suffering of Iraqi Christians, click here.

Update: Religious communities in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan face registration deadline

Many religious communities in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan have not yet re-registered with authorities, as required by restrictive religion laws that were passed in both countries earlier this year (for more information, click here and here). If religious communities fail to register by January 1, 2010, they will be considered illegal.

As of December 16, only about 100 of the 534 religious communities in Azerbaijan that previously had registration statuses have re-registered. Amendments to the Religion Law will require communities to provide an increased range of information when applying for registration and to obtain approval to build or rebuild worship places. Additional amendments include a ban on the sale of religious literature in unapproved locations and on religious activity outside registered addresses.

In Tajikistan, fewer than half of the religious communities in the country have been re-registered. The highly restrictive Religion Law imposes state censorship on all religious literature, bans state officials from being among the founders of a religious community, requires state approval to invite foreigners for religious visits or to travel abroad for religious events, and restricts children's religious activity and education. (Source: Forum18)

Pray that authorities in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan will respect freedom of religion. Pray that Christians in former Soviet republics will echo Peter's sentiment and be determined to obey God regardless of what man says (Acts 5:29).

To find out more about the hardships Christians face in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, go to the Azerbaijan Country Report and the Tajikistan Country Report.

Merry Christmas and blessed New Year! from Canada & Romania

Bomb attacks target churches in Mosul, Iraq

Two churches and a school in Mosul, Iraq were targeted in bomb attacks on December 15. In the late morning, a car bomb exploded in front of the Church of the Annunciation in the al-Mohandiseen neighbourhood, damaging walls and windows. The assailants also threw grenades at the nearby Christian school, killing a baby girl and injuring many others, including five teenagers. In another attack, an explosive device was detonated in front of the Syro-Catholic Church of the Immaculate in the northern neighbourhood of al-Shifaa. No one was killed or injured. The bombings are the latest in a series of recent attacks on Christian sites in Mosul. Many Christians in the city have fled Iraq while others are afraid to even leave their homes. (Source: AsiaNews)

Pray for comfort for the family of the young girl who was killed. Ask God to give healing to those injured. Pray that Iraqi Christians will be filled with hope and peace as they celebrate the birth of Christ amid the threat of violence. You can post a prayer of encouragement for Iraqi Christians on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

For more on trials facing Iraqi Christians, go to the Iraq Country Report.

Christian brothers poisoned in Pakistan

On December 15, three Christian brothers in Gujranwala, Pakistan were poisoned by their Muslim employers who were angered by their faith and their demands for pay. The brothers had left their jobs as sanitation workers at the Ferozewala Pul Banquet & Marriage Hall because they were not receiving their wages. However, they returned when their employers promised them their outstanding wages, a Christmas bonus and overtime pay. When they returned, the brothers were still denied their pay. They were also harassed by staff members who spoke offensively to them about their Christian faith and called them derogatory names. When the brothers finally demanded their due pay, they were threatened with dire consequences if they did not continue their work. The hall owner and hall manager then forced the three to drink poison. Their family was only contacted when two of the brothers, Imran Masih (29) and Irfan Masih (25), were already dead. At last report, the third brother, Aakash Masih (23), was in critical condition. The Peoples Colony police station has registered a murder and deception case against the hall owner and the hall manager. (Source:Compass Direct)

Pray that the Masih family will rest in the knowledge that the Good Shepherd walks with them through this difficult time (Psalm 23). Pray that Aakash will make a full recovery. Pray that the hall owner and hall manager will repent and come to faith in Christ.

Check out the Pakistan Country Report to learn more about the suffering of Christians in Pakistan.

Somali Christians under fire for their faith

A Somali Christian, Mohamud Muridi Saidi, has fled the Kakuma refugee camp on Kenya's border due to death threats he received from Muslims who had transferred to the camp in August. The Muslims, who knew Saidi was from a Christian family, threw stones at his iron sheet home four times in recent months, once in mid-October and three times in November. As word spread that the Muslims were intending to kill him, Saidi fled the camp on November 23 and was forced to leave his family behind. At last report, Saidi remained in hiding in fear for his life and was hoping for asylum for his family. He is the sole provider for his mother, wife and four children. (Source: Compass Direct)

Abdurrahman Hajji Omer

On December 3, a Somali believer living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was poisoned by an unknown assailant. Abdurrahman Hajji Omer (38) died the next morning at the local hospital. He is mourned by three children.

Ask God to give His abiding comfort to Abdurrahman Hajji Omer's family as they mourn for him. Pray for God's protection and provision for Mohamud Muridi Saidi and his family. Pray that in the midst of challenges, Somali Christians will remain unshaken from the work the Lord has given them, trusting Him to bring eternal results (1 Corinthians 15:58).

To find out more about Somalia's suffering Christians, click here.

Christians beaten, church burned down in India

The Voice of the Martyrs received several reports of attacks on Christians by Hindu militants in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in recent weeks.

Hindu militants Photo from AsiaNews

At approximately 2:00 a.m. on December 8, Hindu militants set fire to the Jesus Lights Manna Church in the village of Metpally, Andhra Pradesh. The building's main door, altar and window panels were destroyed and Bibles and otherChristian literature were burned. At last report, several of the militants involved in the attack had been arrested by authorities.

On December 9, Pastor N. Moses and several other believers were attacked by Hindu militants while returning home from a prayer meeting in Kistapuram village, Andhra Pradesh. Pastor Moses suffered severe internal injuries and young Christian girls were also beaten. The militants also shouted slogans against Christianity and accused the believers of forcibly converting people. (Source: All India Christian Council)

Pastor Manjunath (26) and his wife Saraswati (24) were viciously attacked by a mob of Hindu militants who broke into their home in the town of KR Nagar, Karnataka on December 14. The militants accused the couple of forcibly converting people and severely beat them. Saraswati sustained serious injuries but was denied medical attention due to pressure from local militants. When Pastor Manjunath went to the local police station to file a report against the attackers, the officials detained him. The officials have also sealed up the couple's house.

Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray that Pastor Manjunath will be released. Pray that those who seek to hinder the work of the Church in India will see the love and grace of Jesus in the lives of Indian Christians.

To find out more about the persecution of Christians in India, click here.

CHINA -- House Church Leader Released

Yiming, a prominent house church leader among the Uyghur people, was grateful to be reunited with his wife and two young children. China Aid reported that Yiming looked "fragile, but has a very strong spirit." "[He] asked [He] to extend his heartfelt thanks..."

Read the full story here

SRI LANKA -- Church Attacked

200 members of the Buddhist-led political party Jathika Hela Urumaya attacked the Jesus Never Fails Good News Centre church in Koswatta, Sri Lanka, according to the National Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. The attackers hurled stones at the building, damaging the exterior, windows, air conditioning units and gate. They threatened to kill Pastor Joseph
Read the full story here

Get Inspired by Powerful Testimonies in Extreme Devotion

This daily devotional shares stories of courageous believers who have suffered persecution for following Christ. Their testimonies will inspire you to live your Christian life to the fullest.

Read more here

To order your copy of Extreme Devotion click here.

House church leader targeted by authorities in Wenzhou, China

Destruction of the Xinba Shoes Factory Photo from ChinaAid

The leader of a house church in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, China was released on November 30 after authorities arbitrarily detained him without warrant on November 23. Officials and local villagers targeted Shao Wangui after he and his brother, owners of the Xinba Shoes Factory, refused to pay a fee to support the building of a Buddhist temple in their village. Wangui also asked the members of his house church to refuse to support the construction project. When the village secretary found out about Wangui's actions, he began initiating a campaign of mistreatment against the known believers in the community. In late November, local "vandals" destroyed the brothers' factory as punishment for their refusal to provide funds. (Source: ChinaAid)

Pray that this experience will bring Wangui, his brother and the members of this house church closer to Christ. Pray that the persecutors will know Christ's love, forgiveness and blessing through the lives of these Christians (Romans 12:14, 21).

Find out more about the persecution Christians face in China by visiting the China Country Report.

Mob attacks church in Sri Lanka

The charred shell of the parish priest's car UCAN Photo

Approximately 200 suspected Buddhists armed with weapons stormed the Our Lady Rosa Mystica Church building in Croos Watta, Sri Lanka on December 6. The assailants destroyed construction materials and the interior of the building. They also attempted to attack the priest. He was able to escape the scene unharmed, but his vehicle was torched in the violence. As word spread of the attack, approximately 500 local believers blocked the nearby main road in protest, demanding that police arrest the culprits. At last report, one arrest had been made. Local Christians believe the attack was due to the growing number of believers in the area and the recent resumption of a construction project to expand the church. Last year, the Supreme Court overturned a police decision to ban the construction. The church has been attacked twice in recent years by suspected Buddhist militants -- once in 2006 and again in 2007. (Source: Union of Catholic Asian News)

Thank the Lord that no one was injured in the attack. Pray that these church members will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48). You can post a prayer for members of this church on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

For more information about the suffering of God's children in Sri Lanka, go to the Sri Lanka Country Report.

Update: Judge overturns hate speech ruling against Canadian pastor

On December 3, a Court of Queen's Bench judge overturned a December 2007 ruling by the Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC) that a letter written by Stephen Boissoin published in a local newspaper broke provincial law against spreading hatred (click here for more details). Justice E.C. Wilson ruled that the AHRC panel chair Lori Andreachuk had made many errors in her ruling. The judge ruled that Andreachuk's order that Boissoin pay $5,000 and refrain from making "disparaging remarks" about homosexuals could not be enforced, as it was "unlawful or unconstitutional."

The judge said that while Boissoin's remarks were "jarring, offensive, bewildering, puerile, nonsensical and insulting," they were not hateful or extreme and that there was nothing in the letter to suggest it was exhorting Albertans to discriminate against homosexuals in areas which fall under provincial jurisdiction. At last report, Darren Lund, who launched the complaint against Boissoin, has not decided whether he will appeal this ruling.

In another religious freedom case in Canada, Christian Horizons, a Christian organization that assists individuals with developmental disabilities, will be appealing a May 2008 ruling by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal (OHRT) on December 15-17. The OHRT ruled that Christian Horizons violated the rights of a former worker, Connie Heintz, by terminating her employment when she revealed that she was a lesbian (click here for more information). The ruling ordered Christian Horizons to compensate Heintz $23,000 in lost wages and to stop requiring its staff to sign an explicitly Christian morality code.

Thank the Lord that the ruling against Stephen Boissoin was overturned. Ask the Lord to give the believers involved in the Christian Horizons case Christ-like endurance as they stand up for their beliefs. Pray that Canada will uphold the religious freedom of its citizens.

Update: Chinese church leader given severe prison sentence

Alimujiang Yimiti and his family Photos from ChinaAid

Alimujiang Yimiti (36), a Uyghur Chinese house church leader who was arrested and imprisoned in January 2008 (click here for more information), has received a 15-year prison sentence for allegedly "providing state secrets to overseas organizations." The verdict, which stunned Yimiti's lawyers and family members, was read to him in prison on October 27. One of Yimiti's lawyers, Li Dunyong, has reportedly filed an appeal on his behalf. Li Dunyong also stated that Yimiti's Muslim background was a factor in his legal battle, stating, "The whole case is about religious faith issues which are being used against for his conversion from Islam to Christianity, by biased law enforcement agents, prosecutors and the court." (Source: ChinaAid)

Pray that Yimiti will continue to draw near to his Heavenly Father amid his trials. Pray for Yimiti's wife and children, who are suffering many challenges in his absence. To post a prayer in support of Yimiti and his family, visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

For more on the suffering of Chinese Christians, go to the China Country Report.

SOMALIA -- Christian martyre

On Nov. 14, the body of a 23-year-old Christian convert, Mumin Abdikarim Yusuf, was discovered in Mogadishu's Yaqshid district, according to Compass Direct News. A 15-year-old Muslim boy had accused Yusuf of trying to convert him to Christianity.

Read the full story here

CHINA -- House Church Leader Released

On Nov. 18, Wusiman Yiming, a Christian convert from Islam, was released from prison in China after being imprisoned for two years, according to China Aid Association.
Read the full story here

Write a Letter of Encouragement to Father Nguyen Van Ly

Father Nguyen Van Ly, who was sentenced to eight years in prison in March 2007, recently suffered a severe stroke, according to Forum 18 News. He was admitted to the military hospital in Hanoi. At last report, he was semi-paralyzed but was conscious and able to speak. Family members report that he is being treated well. Pray that Father Van Ly will have a full recovery. We encourage you to continue writing him letters and to continue praying. We also encourage you to write to the Vietnamese government requesting Father Van Ly's release. Please send this e-mail to others who have a heart for persecuted believers, and encourage them to write. Get involved. Pray and write today!

Read more here

Church and convent bombed in Mosul, Iraq

Photo from AsiaNews

On the morning of November 26, two Christian sites in the northern city of Mosul inIraq were bombed. A group of approximately 10 gunmen entered the Church of Saint Ephrem, ordered those inside to leave and placed explosives around the premises. When the explosives detonated, the building was completely destroyed. Half an hour later, the attackers proceeded to the Mother House of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine and detonated more explosives. Although five believers were inside the building, no one was injured. Thousands of believers have fled Mosul and other areas of Iraq in recent months due to ongoing threats and persecution. According to a local church leader, "Things were gradually becoming normalized and many felt that security had improved. What has happened now has put a stop to the optimism." (Sources: AsiaNews, Aid to the Church in Need)

Thank the Lord that no one was injured in the bomb attacks. Pray that those who seek to do Christians harm in Mosul will come to know Jesus as their Saviour. Pray for safety and protection for Christians in Iraq. You can post a prayer of solidarity for Christians in Mosul on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

To learn more about the trials believers face in Iraq, go to the Iraq Country Report.

Three churches attacked in Tamil Nadu, India

Window of the church in Sulur Photo from GCIC

Three church buildings were attacked within two days in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. On November 29, a bomb exploded at a church in Thammathukonam, badly damaging the building's wall. Later that day, a statue of St. Francis Xavier was desecrated by militants in Konamkade while the local congregation was preparing for an Advent procession. The next day, a group of Hindu militants broke the windows of a church building in Sulur and threw stones inside. A bag containing a container of petrol, a diesel can and cotton scraps was later found, suggesting that the attackers intended to set the building on fire.

Pray that Christians in Tamil Nadu will not give in to fear over these attacks but continue to be bold witnesses for Jesus. Pray that the perpetrators of this violence will be brought to justice.

Click here to find out more about how Christians suffer in India

Update: Fushan church leaders sentenced to prison in China

Pastors Wang Xiaoguang and Yang Rongli conducting a baptism service Photo from ChinaAid

Five leaders of the Fushan house church, who have been held in detention since their unwarranted arrests on September 25 (click here for more details), were sentenced to prison on November 25 following a 12 hour trial. At the trial, the pastors -- Yang Rongli, Wang Xiaoguang, Yang Xuan, Cui Jiaxing, and Zhang Huamei -- were only allowed to have four of their family members in attendance and their lawyers were only able to review 50 of the 1,000 pages of "evidence materials" in preparation for their defense. Yang Rongli was sentenced to seven years of detention for "illegally occupying farming land" and "disturbing transportation order by gathering masses." Wang Xiaoguang, Yang Xuan, and Cui Jiaxing were each given prison sentences ranging three to four years for "illegally occupying farming land" and Zhang Huamei was sentenced to four years for "disturbing transportation order by gathering masses." Yang Rongli and Wang Xiaoguang have led the Fushan church, which is part of a 50,000 member house church network in the area, for more than 30 years.

On November 30, five more church leaders were handed two-year sentences of re-education through labour. The five -- Li Shuangping, Yang Hongzhen, Yang Caizhen, Gao Qin, and Zhao Guoai -- were charged with "gathering people to disturb the public order" after they organized a 1,000-believer prayer rally following an attack by over 400 military police on their church in September. Yang Caizhen, who is the wife of imprisoned church leader Yang Xuan, had one of her teeth knocked out during severe interrogations and is in frail condition. (Source: ChinaAid)

Ask God to sustain these brothers and sisters and their families through this difficult time. Pray that these charges will be dropped and the leaders will be released. Ask God to encourage the members of this church to continue to worship and serve Him.

You can also partner with this church by contributing to VOMC's Legal Defense Fund. This fund specifically helps finance legal representation to prisoners of faith, enabling them to receive a better chance for a fair trial or a reduced sentence. Lawyers frequently have special access to the prisoner as well -- a privilege often denied to the prisoner's closest family members. They are able to bring essential food and clothing and news of the arrested back to concerned family members. To serve in this vital way, click here.

For more information on how Christians suffer persecution in China, check out the China Country Report.

Update: Christian again facing deportation in Kazakhstan

A German-born believer who was recently prosecuted in Akmola Region,Kazakhstan for taking part in religious worship without state registration is again facing deportation. In October, Viktor Leven successfully appealed the deportation order (click here for details), but the Regional Court reinstated the deportation on November 26. Leven stated he may be forced to leave the country at any time. (Source: Forum18)

Pray that Leven will not be deported and separated from his wife and six children, the youngest of whom is just three weeks old. Pray for endurance for other believers facing similar challenges in Kazakhstan.

For more information on the persecution facing Kazakhstan's Christians, go to theKazakhstan Country Report.

Pray for persecuted Christians in Orissa, India this Christmas

Purna, one of the believers who was beaten in August 2008

The Catholic Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar in India's Orissa state has requested prayer from believers around the world this Christmas season for the victims of anti-Christian violence in the area. Please join him in remembering our brothers and sisters in Orissa. (Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

"Gracious Father, Lord of all the earth, we praise you for the gift of Jesus Christ, sent into the world to break down the dividing walls of hostility. Have mercy upon those in Orissa who suffer for bearing your name. Give them the peace and the justice that they crave, and cause the walls of bitterness and hatred in Orissa to be torn down. Comfort those who have been bereaved, counsel those who have been traumatised, provide for those who have lost everything. Give them the grace to forgive and confidence in your gracious favour. Do not let us forget them, our brothers and sisters in Christ, as we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace and look forward to his coming again in glory."

You can add your own prayer for those affected by anti-Christian violence in Orissa by posting on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

Watch the December edition of The Persecution Report for the testimony of Purna, a believer who was badly beaten by militant Hindus when violence swept through Orissa in August 2008. Check it out today.

ISRAEL - Christian Family Continues to Be Persecuted

Eleven-year-old Rivka's Messianic Jewish family continues to face persecution from extremist Jewish factions in Israel, according to VOM contacts and the Jerusalem Institute of Justice. Rivka's father, a pastor, relocated his family after a car bomb exploded in the family's driveway.Now, their new landlord has received threats from Jewish extremists who want them evicted. Recently, somebody poured sugar into the fuel lines of their vehicle, which destroyed its engine.

Read the full story here

VIETNAM - Imprisoned Vietnamese Priest Suffers Severe Stroke

Father Nguyen Van Ly, who was sentenced to eight years in prison in March 2007, recently suffered a severe stroke, according to Forum 18 News. He was admitted to the military hospital in Hanoi. At last report, he was semi-paralyzed but was conscious and able to speak.
Read the full story here

Learn about the Impact of God's Power in the Book, If Prison Walls Could Speak

VOM's founder, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, was alone in a prison cell, 30 feet underground for three years. During that time, he never saw the sun, touched the grass, or glanced at another human being. Miraculously, as he sat shackled and alone, he heard a very clear voice -- Christ ministering to him, his voice never fading.
Read more here