China: House Church raided
ChinaAid reported that early Friday morning more than 10 believers were taken away by officials; five of them were not released until that afternoon. Without going through any paperwork government officials confiscated items belonging to the church. A ChinaAid spokesperson said, ‘In this process of persecution and growth the Chinese church is encouraged to play well the role of Samaritans, abandon excuses of cowardice and bravely face dark and violent forces of the government by adhering to the principles of Christian ethics and morality. They should unite and help each other, firmly refusing to compromise; and produce greater light and salt.’ ChinaAid expresses deep regret at the ‘ultra-leftist policies’ that the Chinese government is pursuing recently. Pray: that the church will grow increasingly mature in the storm of persecutions and eventually the name of Jesus Christ will be glorified in the region. (Ac.10:35)
Egypt: Christian homes torched
Tuesday night Muslims set fire to at least 10 houses belonging to Coptic Christians in a village south of Cairo over rumours that a Christian had an affair with a Muslim girl. Several people were arrested and security forces sealed off the village of al-Nawahid to prevent the violence from spreading to neighbouring villages. The attacks started after locals spotted a young Copt and a Muslim girl together at night inside the village cemetery. Both were put under police custody as authorities investigate. Coptic Christians make up 10 percent of Egypt's 80 million people. Copts and Muslims generally live in peace, though human rights groups say attacks on Copts are on the rise, underscoring the government's failure to address chronic sectarian strains in a society where religious radicalism is gaining ground. Pray: for the rights of Christians in Egypt to be recognised and equalled to those enjoyed by Muslims. (Mk.13:13) More: http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/muslims-torch-christian-homes-in-southern-egypt-1.325018
Iran: Death sentence for Christian
According to ww.presenttruthmn.com, the official death sentence verdict has now been delivered in writing to Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, stating that he is to be hung for the crime of apostasy. There are 20 days to appeal the verdict, and Youcef’s attorney is now beginning the process of the appeal. The prayer burdens surrounding this development are many, - that God would grant him peace in this hour, that God would move on his behalf, and that he would be delivered! Pray also for his wife and children at this extremely difficult time; a spokesman for Truth Ministries said, ‘We trust our great Lord to give her the peace that comes only from the True Comforter.’ Pray: for Pastor Youcef and other Christians in prison for their faith to be daily strengthened. (Jas. 5:16)
Iran: Supreme Leader speaks against House Church movement
House church leaders fear an increased wave of persecution following a speech by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who warned against the ‘network of house churches’ that ‘threaten Islamic faith and deceive young Muslims’. His comments came in the context of warning against what he believed to be attacks against the pure principles of Islamic faith, including Hollywood films and cartoons that are at odds with Islam. A church leader from Iran said, ‘I think this is the first time that he has openly agitated against the house church movement and mentioned it specifically. Speeches like this often have far reaching consequences in the country. Not that the people of Iran react with violence against Christians, but behind the scenes, the security services and religious police will take measures. That is what leaders of house churches fear the most at this moment.’ Pray: that the speech will attract more Iranians to Christ now the House Church movement is officially recognised, and for government plans against Christians to be thwarted. (Pr.2:33)
