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

Christians taken hostage in Colombia

Children from a Kogui village

Sixteen Christians belonging to the Kogui indigenous people group in Colombiaare being held captive on their reserve in an attempt to force them to renounce Christianity. The group of believers, which includes men, women and three babies, was captured during a meeting called by the Kogui governor. Community leaders shouted abuses at the believers through the night. They were later taken to a remote area of the reserve and told they would not be freed until they renounced their faith in Christ. At last report, two of the kidnapped infants were seriously ill. The governor and his allies also humiliated non-Christian leaders who had supported the Christians in the community and protected them from being expelled. The governor reportedly intends to capture remaining Christians and force them to renounce their faith. (Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

Pray for the release of these believers. Pray that their captors will see the love of Christ, repent and come to trust in Jesus. Pray for other Christian members of the Kogui community under fire in Colombia. You can post a prayer for suffering Christians in Colombia on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

Church attacked by Buddhists in Sri Lanka

On the afternoon of November 5, approximately 200 members of the Buddhist-led party Jathika Hela Urumaya attacked the Jesus Never Fails Good News Centre in Koswatta, Sri Lanka. The attackers hurled stones at the building, damaging the exterior, windows, air conditioning units and gate. They also threatened to kill Pastor Joseph, accusing him of unethical conversions and demanding that he stop conducting healing services. The violence was in response to an October 31 open air healing service led by Pastor Joseph, after which two women died. A spokesman for the church said the women attended the service out of their own free will and later died in hospital. (Source: National Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka)

Pray for endurance of faith for victims of this attack. Ask the Lord to work in the hearts of those targeting Sri Lankan believers so that they will repent and come to faith in Him. Pray that Christians in Sri Lanka will continue to share the news of God's grace.

For commentary on this story and a video of the attack, click here. For more information on the challenges facing Sri Lanka's Christians, click here.

Update: Conditions poor for Eritrean pastor under house arrest

Believers from the Asmara Full Gospel Church

In mid-October, Pastor Tewelde Hailom was arrested and imprisoned along with nine other believers when security forces raided his home (for more information,click here). The pastor, who suffers from an ulcer, was later placed under house arrest. His sister, who had been allowed to take care of him in his home, was recently ordered to leave and his stomach condition is reportedly aggravated by the lack of sufficient food.

Two men arrested during the raid on Pastor Hailom's house, Samuiel Oqbagzi and Gebreberhane Tesfamichel, have been moved to a police station notorious for its strenuous conditions. Furthermore, on November 7, another Full Gospel Church pastor was arrested and imprisoned by Eritrean security forces. (Source:Open Doors)

Ask the Lord to heal and sustain Pastor Hailom as he suffers for his faith. Pray for the release of the recently imprisoned pastor and other Christians detained in Eritrea.

Update: Chinese authorities step up campaign against Christians

Pastor Yang Rongli Photo from ChinaAid

The central government in China has reportedly intensified its campaign against Christian activity in the country, targeting both registered and unregistered churches. (Source: ChinaAid)

On November 2, Judge Sun of the Linfen Intermediate Court instructed the families of the five remaining imprisoned leaders and pastors of the Linfen-Fushan Church in Shanxi province (click here for more information) to hire lawyers to defend them in an immediate trial. Even though the believers have been detained for over 50 days, their families had not received prior warning or notification of arrest. One of the imprisoned leaders, Pastor Yang Rongli, has been transferred to the Taiyuan City Detention Center, a high-security prison directly controlled by the central government. Local sources have expressed particular concern for her safety.

On the evening of November 12, Public Security officials sealed the doors and locked down the Wanbang Missionary Church in Shanghai, which was earlier banned by authorities on November 2 (click here for more information). While officials were barring the church entrance, believers banded together to protect the associate pastor as he escaped into the crowd. Two days earlier, a formal notice of abolishment was issued to the senior pastor of the church. The seven pastors also received notices stating that they are "self-claimed illegal preachers" and ordering them to cease their "illegal religious activities." Many of the 2000 members of the church have been severely questioned and threatened in recent weeks by members of multiple agencies. The senior pastor's cell phone number has been terminated and the church's website forcibly shut down.

Pray that the detained Christians from the Linfen-Fushan church will be found innocent and be released. Ask God to protect and encourage Pastor Yang Rongli. Pray for strength and endurance for the members of the Wanbang Missionary Church. Pray that religious freedom will be respected by Chinese authorities.

Update: Iranian Christians finally released from prison

Maryam Rustampoor and Marzieh Amirizadeh, Iranian Christians who were arrested by security forces in early March (click here for the story) were released from Evin Prison in Tehran on November 18. The women were released without bail but may have to face a future court hearing. Upon their release, they stated, "Words are not enough to express our gratitude to the Lord and to His people who have prayed and worked for our release." (Source: Elam Ministries)

Praise the Lord that these faithful believers have been released after 259 days in prison! Pray that their example of steadfast faith will encourage other Iranians suffering for Christ. Pray for them as they recover from the harsh treatment they received in prison.

Update: Imprisoned Vietnamese priest suffers severe stroke

Father Nguyen Van Ly (63), who was sentenced to eight years in prison in March 2007 (click here for more information), recently suffered a severe stroke. 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. (Source: AsiaNews)

Pray that Father Van Ly will have a full recovery. Pray for strength for his loved ones at this time.

IRAN - Church Closed

The Central Assemblies of God Church has been forced to close down its regular Friday afternoon services and can only hold two services on Sundays, Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN) reported.
Read the full story here

CHINA - Expelled Student Invited Back to School

Chen Le, a 17-year-old high school student who was expelled from school because of his Christian faith, was invited on October 29 to return to school, according to a report from the China Aid Association.
Read the full story here

Watch the DVD Indonesia: Island Jihad and Be Encouraged by the Faith of Indonesian Believers

In this DVD, you will meet Christians like Adel and Methu, who were separated for 18 months after Adel was kidnapped by Muslims from a neighboring island. You will also meet Johannes, whose head was nearly severed and who now wants to be a missionary to his Islamic countrymen. You will hear firsthand accounts of overcoming faith from one of today’s most persecuted nations.
Read more here

Christians fined and deported in Kazakhstan

Two Christians, Viktor Leven and his brother, Didrikh, are facing prosecution for taking part in religious worship without state registration in Akmola Region, Kazakhstan, according to a November 5 report from Forum18. On October 14, Viktor, who was born in Kazakhstan but has German citizenship, was found guilty of "carrying out missionary activity without local registration" (Article 375-3 of the Administrative Code), an offense which prescribes a fine and/or deportation to foreigners or people without citizenship. He was fined a total of 6,480 Tenge (approximately $45 CAD) and ordered to be deported. He has since had his fine and deportation annulled on appeal -- a decision which local Christians see as a result of the court recognizing "that he was not a missionary and had not been sent to Kazakhstan for this...he lives here." On October 28, Didrikh was found guilty of violating Article 374-1 which forbids "leadership or participation in the activity of an unregistered social or religious organization." He was fined 129,600 Tenge (approximately $900 CAD), which is 100 times the minimum monthly wage. He reportedly plans to lodge an appeal to the same Akmola Regional Court which overturned Viktor's punishment.

Also in Kazakhstan, Feruza Utegenova, a member of New Life Church in Aktau on the Caspian Sea, was deported toUzbekistan on November 5. She had been convicted and fined in June for "carrying out missionary activity without local registration" (Article 375-3) after she distributed a Christian children's magazine to a 12-year-old girl living near her home.

Pray that the charges against Didrikh will be dropped. Pray for strength and guidance for Feruza as she seeks to serve Christ amid her trials. Pray that authorities will cease their harassment of Christians in Kazakhstan.

For more information on the persecution facing Kazakhstan's Christians, click here.

House church banned by authorities in Shanghai, China

According to a November 4 report from ChinaAid, more than 30 officials from four government agencies barged into the Wanbang Missionary Church in Shanghai, China on November 2 and accused the believers of holding an illegal gathering. Leaders from each of the agencies, including the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau (PSB) and the State Administration on Religious Affairs, then interrogated the senior pastor, Cui Quan. PSB officers also questioned other major church partners in the city affiliated with the Wanbang Missionary Church. After concluding that church members were meeting illegally, police officers banned the church and forbade the believers from meeting together in the future. The Wanbang Missionary Church has approximately 1,200 members and is considered one of the most influential urban house churches in the country.

Pray that these believers will be encouraged to continue to meet together despite opposition (Hebrews 10:23-25). Pray for significant and lasting advances in religious freedom in China. To post a prayer of solidarity for these sufferingChristians in China, visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

Click here to find out more about suffering Chinese Christians.

Muslims attack worship service in Uganda

Damaged church building and Pastor Zaake Photos from Compass Direct

According to a November 10 report from Compass Direct, approximately 40 Muslims armed with machetes and clubs attacked the World Possessor's Church International in Namasuba, just outside the capital city of Kampala, Uganda, on November 1 while believers were holding a worship service. When the church members heard the Muslims outside, they gathered at the front door to try to prevent them from entering. Some Christians were able to escape through the church's rear door. When the Muslims noticed one of the Christians taking photographs of them, they beat him severely. Nearby residents eventually arrived on scene and helped the Christians ward off their attackers. When police arrived, they assisted in stopping the assault but made no arrests.

Local Muslims have long opposed the existence of the church in Namasuba, complaining that church members try to convert Muslims in the area. They have also argued that the church building's outdoor stairway encroaches on the alley and that the church members make too much noise. Many of the believers are reportedly too fearful to return to church and attendance for the worship service held the following Sunday decreased from 250 to 100 people. "Since the attack we have been receiving a lot of threats from the Muslims," said Pastor Henry Zaake. "There is a conspiracy that we can't understand. This trend really gives me sleepless nights."

Ask God to sustain all the victims of this attack through His peace and grace. Pray that the members of the church will grow in Christlikeness through the ongoing opposition they face (James 1:2-4). Post a prayer for these Ugandan Christians on ourPersecuted Church Prayer Wall.