China: Company ‘legally’ publishes 110 Christian books
An Englishman now living in China has revealed that the company he works for has now brought out 110 Christian books – with the full permission of the government. This surprising fact was revealed by David Wright, General Manager of ZDL Books, during a recent interview at NRB 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. ‘I work for an organization called ZDL and we are based in Beijing and are focused on bringing Christian content legally to China,’ Wright began. ‘We have worked since 2003 to do that and today we have around 110 legally approved books that are being distributed all over the country. We also have a number of websites that have been built and are distributing content all over the country and we’re running training events which again are all open and legal.’ Praise: God for the spread of His Word. (Rom.10:15)
Malaysia: 35,000 Bibles released in 'Allah' row
The Malaysian government has said it will release 35,000 Bibles that have been impounded for months for using the word ‘Allah’ in reference to God. The Bibles were printed in Indonesia for Christians in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Muslim groups protested against the Christian use of the word Allah, saying it is an attempt to make Christianity appeal to Muslims. Malaysia's constitution promises freedom of worship to all faiths, however Malay-language Bibles containing the word Allah have repeatedly been blocked at customs over the years even though they have been using the word Allah in Bibles since 1963, before Malaysia was formed as a federal state. Rising Malay and Muslim consciousness, sparked by Malay nationalist groups seeking political power, has brought the issue to the fore in recent years, but we can praise God that His word will be spoken, read, sung, and prayed in Malaysia regardless of opposition. Praise: God for this decision and intercede for more demonstrations of His authority wherever the Good News is resisted.
Malaysia: 35,000 Bibles released in 'Allah' row
The Malaysian government has said it will release 35,000 Bibles that have been impounded for months for using the word ‘Allah’ in reference to God. The Bibles were printed in Indonesia for Christians in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Muslim groups protested against the Christian use of the word Allah, saying it is an attempt to make Christianity appeal to Muslims. Malaysia's constitution promises freedom of worship to all faiths, however Malay-language Bibles containing the word Allah have repeatedly been blocked at customs over the years even though they have been using the word Allah in Bibles since 1963, before Malaysia was formed as a federal state. Rising Malay and Muslim consciousness, sparked by Malay nationalist groups seeking political power, has brought the issue to the fore in recent years, but we can praise God that His word will be spoken, read, sung, and prayed in Malaysia regardless of opposition. Praise: God for this decision and intercede for more demonstrations of His authority wherever the Good News is resisted.
Pakistan: Christian murdered in prison
Qamar David had been appealing against his 2010 life sentence for blasphemy, but was found dead in his cell in Karachi’s main prison on March 15th. Prison authorities attributed his death to a heart attack but this was called into question by church leaders and human rights activists asking for an independent autopsy. Advocacy Director of Christian Solidarity Worldwide said, ‘Given the threats known to be faced by blasphemy prisoners it is imperative the true cause of his death be investigated properly and independently.’ David's lawyer always maintained the allegations were falsely made by a business rival, resulting in pressure from local religious clerics and their supporters for the conviction. His death sparked concern coming just two weeks after the assassination of Pakistan's Minorities Minister for criticising the blasphemy laws. Mr Johnston said David's death underlined the urgent need to continue Bhatti's work. Pray: for God to provide everything His people in Pakistan need at times of persecution and that the blasphemy laws would be repealed. (Phil.1:6)
