EGYPT: Islamic Extremists Lashing Out Against Christians

http://www.persecution.com/

The bloodshed in Egypt continues following former President Mohammad Morsi's removal from office on July 3 by the Egyptian military. Members of the Muslim Brotherhood are lashing out at Christians, apparently blaming them for the military's actions against Morsi.

On July 6, the Reverend Mina Abboud Sharoubeam was killed by gunmen on a motorcycle as he left his Coptic Christian church in the Al Masaeed area of Arish in Sinai, a VOM worker reported.

In additional post-Morsi violence, radical Muslims killed four Christians and
burned Christian houses and shops in Al Dabaa village in the Luxor region
of Upper Egypt. The injured and homeless in the area are taking refuge in a
church that also came under attack, our worker said. Three other Christian
churches have been burned across Egypt, and Christian businesses in
Dalga and Deir Mawas in Minya, Egypt, have also been attacked by Islamic
extremists.

VOM Contacts

Please Pray!

Christians in Egypt are asking for "prayers for protection of all Egyptians in this very hard time and for Christian families in Upper Egypt." Pray that the Lord will bring safety and stability to the region.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: 'For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.' Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Rom. 8:35-37

VOM assists Christians in Egypt through the VOMedical fund, Families of Martyrs fund, Christian radio broadcasts and discipleship training for former Muslims.

Pebbles for Christ is a volunteer voice for the persecuted church.

You too could become an advocate voice for the persecuted church in your local church and community by becoming a member of VOM's Be-A-Voice Network. The Be-A-Voice Network is an online volunteer opportunity created by The Voice of the Martyrs. This ministry allows friends like you to help our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world in a real and immediate way. If you are willing to PRAY, WRITE or SHARE with others, then the Be-A-Voice Network is the tool for you!

Click here to visit Be-A-Voice's website.

Prayer Request: Wenxi Li - China

Prisoner Profile

PRISONER NAME: Wenxi Li

 

LOCATION: China
ARRESTED: December 2012
REVISED: 25 July 2013



A Christian bookstore employee, Wenxi Li, and another man associated with the
bookstore, Lacheng Ren, were arrested and sentenced to prison terms for their role in
the Enyu Bookstore in Taiyuan. On June 17, 2013, Wenxi Li was sentenced to two years
in prison by the court of Xiaodian district of Taiyuan in central China.

In 2012, Wenxi Li, a book store worker in Beijing, traveled to Shanxi province to help
local Christians there open a new book store in the capital city of Taiyuan. But police
raided the new business, Enyu Bookstore, and confiscated hundreds of books that
Wenxi had brought with him from Beijing.

According to the South China Morning Post, one security worker allegedly shouted at
Wenxi and his co-workers, "Don't you dare bring Christian culture here. This is our turf."

On Dec. 19, 2012, Wenxi was asked to come to a police station to retrieve the $6,000
worth of books that police had seized. But when he arrived at the police station, he was immediately arrested and sent to prison. Police were quoted as saying Wenxi was denied bail because of the seriousness of his "crime."

His wife, Cai Hong Li, said police told her that her husband was arrested because he was involved in an "illegal business." However, Cai Hong said the bookstore had a legal license to operate and that her husband was not involved with managing the business. He was "just sent to find a rental place for a new store," Cai Hong said.

Since her husband's arrest, Cai Hong said she and her two children have received harassment from anonymous sources. She added that she fears for her children's safety.

While in prison awaiting trial, Wenxi led three people to Christ. His family is planning to appeal his case.

Please pray for Lacheng Ren and Wenxi Li.

Prayer Request: Lacheng Ren - China

Prisoner Profile

PRISONER NAME: Lacheng Ren

 

LOCATION: China
ARRESTED: December 2012
REVISED: 19 July 2013



Lacheng Ren, a Christian sponsoring a new Christian bookstore in Taiyuan, and Wenxi Li, a Christian bookstore employee, were arrested and sentenced to prison terms for their role in the Enyu Bookstore in Taiyuan. On June 17, 2013, Lacheng Ren was sentenced to five years in prison by the court of Xiaodian district of Taiyuan in central China.

In 2012, Wenxi Li, a book store worker in Eijing, traveled to Shanxi provice to help local Christians there open a new book store in the captial city of Taiyuan. But police raided the new business, Enyu Bookstore, and confiscated hundreds of books that Wenxi had brought with him from Beijing.

According to the South China Morning Post, one security worker allegedly shouted at Wenxi and his co-workers, "Don't you dare bring Christian culture here. This is our turf!"

On Dec. 19, 2013, Wenxi was asked to come to a police station to retrieve the $6,000 worth of books that police had seized. But when he arrived at the police station, he was immediately arrested and sent to prison. Police were quoted as saying Wenxi was denied bail because of the seriousness of his "crime".

Shortly after Wenxi was arrested, in an apparently coordinated move, Lancheng Ren was also arrested at his home. Lancheng Ren is not an employee of the bookstore, but is one of the founders.

Please pray for Lacheng Ren and Wenxi Li.

TANZANIA: Eva Abdallah in Hiding from Muslim Extremists

https://www.be-a-voice.net/

Bulletin Date: 17 July 2013

In July 2012, 18-year-old Eva Abdallah was sentenced to two years in prison after being accused of desecrating the Quran. She was released from prison in January 2013 after being acquitted by the High Court of Tanzania.

Angered by Eva Abdallah's acquittal, Islamic extremists are now seeking the young woman to exact their own version of justice. For her personal safety, Eva has been relocated to another area and is adjusting well.

 

Eva Abdallah converted from Islam to Christianity four years ago. After her conversion, her parents disowned her and a group of radicals in her hometown of Bagamoyo tried to persuade her to renounce her Christian faith. When she refused, they falsely accused her of desecrating a Quran.

VOM Sources
Photo: Eva Abdallah

 

You can read further about Eva's case by visiting: http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_220_profile.html

Please Pray!

Please pray for Eva Abdallah's continued protection and safety. Pray that she will find acceptance and solace in God's family of loving and caring believers. Pray for the salvation of those who seek her life.

"But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. 'And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.'" 1 Pet. 3:14

VOM provides legal assistance to Christian converts from Islam and to other Christians in Tanzania.

http://www.persecution.com/

Pebbles for Christ is a volunteer voice for the persecuted church.

You too could become an advocate voice for the persecuted church in your local church and community by becoming a member of VOM's Be-A-Voice Network. The Be-A-Voice Network is an online volunteer opportunity created by The Voice of the Martyrs. This ministry allows friends like you to help our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world in a real and immediate way. If you are willing to PRAY, WRITE or SHARE with others, then the Be-A-Voice Network is the tool for you. Click here to visit Be-A-Voice's website.

TAJIKISTAN: Christian Convert in Hiding

 Bulletin date: 10 July 2013

Nadia, a Christian convert in Tajikistan, is experiencing severe persecution from her Muslim family members. Nadia converted from Islam to Christianity in 2011. When her mother found out, she beat Nadia, burned her Bible and tore her clothing. Nadia tried to run away, but her brothers found her. They shaved her hair, gave her a public beating and locked her in their house. When she ran away, they caught her again.

On June 9, a VOM contact learned that Nadia's family had beaten her again, this time for hours, and forced her to say the Muslim statement of faith. Nadia was rescued from her family by other Christians and is currently in hiding.

 

The government of Tajikistan prohibits teaching children about religion, except in government approved places. It also prohibits the printing and
distribution of religious materials that have not been approved by government censors. Open evangelism would result in a visit by the police.

VOM Sources

Please Pray!

Pray that Nadia will remain strong in her faith and that the Lord will strengthen and protect her. Pray that the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of her family members and draw them to faith in Christ.

"And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you," says the LORD. "I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible." Jer. 15:20-21

The Voice of the Martyrs has a variety of projects to help Christians in Tajikistan.

Pebbles for Christ is a volunteer voice for the persecuted church.

You too could become an advocate voice for the persecuted church in your local church and community by becoming a member of VOM's Be-A-Voice Network. The Be-A-Voice Network is an online volunteer opportunity created by The Voice of the Martyrs. This ministry allows friends like you to help our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world in a real and immediate way. If you are willing to PRAY, WRITE or SHARE with others, then the Be-A-Voice Network is the tool for you. Click here to visit Be-A-Voice's website.

The Cost - Rend Collective Experiment

http://www.opendoorsuk.org/

Open Doors UK, with help from popular worship band Rend Collective Experiment, have provided an emotional, encouraging and challenging video on the persecuted church and the bold declaration that they have made... "Jesus is worth it all"

YouTube source link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RaX4Rv02CGk

Be A Voice Network: IRAN: Christians Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison

NEW PRAYER BULLETIN: IRAN CONVICTS CHRISTIANS

Date of Bulletin: July 03, 2013

 In June, the Revolutionary Court convicted four

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Christians of attending a house church,
spreading Christianity, having contact with
foreign ministries, spreading propaganda
against the regime and disrupting national
security. Mojtaba Seyyed-Alaedin Hossein,
Mohammad-Reza Partoei (Koorosh), Vahid
Hakkani and Homayoun Shokouhi were each
sentenced to three years and eight months in
prison. The convictions received little media
coverage because media attention was focused
on Iran's presidential election at the time.

These Christian converts were arrested as part
of a Feb. 8, 2012, raid on a house church. Two of the men, Mojtaba Seyyed-Alaedin Hossein and Homayoun Shokouhi, had been previously arrested on May 11, 2008, with eight other believers and received five-year suspended prison sentences.

The men have the option to appeal their sentence within 20 days.

Source: Mohabat News (Iranian Christian News Agency)
Photo: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Please Pray!

Please pray for the safety and well-being of these Christian prisoners, and pray for their families, who have been denied contact with them since the court ruling. Pray that these men will be witnesses for Christ to fellow inmates and that their appeals will result in their release.

"O LORD, You have seen how I am wronged; judge my case. You have seen all their vengeance, all their schemes against me." Lam. 3:59-60

The Voice of the Martyrs helps Christians in Iran by providing Farsi Bibles and by supporting Christian satellite broadcasts.

You can read further on this news item by visiting Mohabat News' article:

Six Christian Converts Convicted Amid Presidential Election Fuss !

Asia Bibi - Prayer Request

I have also requested prayers for Asia Bibi in my posts of 3 August 2011 and 6 March 2013. Please keep Asia in your prayers.

Below is a detailed description of Asia's case with an update, from Voice of the Martyrs.

Asia Bibi, a 37-year-old Pakistani woman from the village of Ittanwali, was arrested by police on Friday, June 19, 2009. Asia (also called Asia Noreen) is the wife of 50-year-old Ashiq Masih, and their family is one of only three Christian families in a village of 1,500 families.


Many of the local women, including Asia, work on the farm of Muslim landowner Muhammad Idrees. During their work, many of the Muslim women have pressured Asia to renounce Christianity and accept Islam.

In June, the pressure became especially strong.
On Friday, June 19, there was an intense discussion among the women about their faith. The Muslim women told Asia about Islam. Asia responded by telling them about her faith in Christ. Asia told the Muslim women Christ had died on the cross for sins, then asked them what Mohammad had done for them, according to VOM sources. She told them Jesus is alive, but Mohammad is dead. "Our Christ is the true prophet of God," she reportedly told them, "and yours is not true."


Upon hearing this, the Muslim women became angry and began to beat Asia. Then some men took her and locked her in a room. They announced from the mosque loudspeakers that she would be punished by having her face blackened and being paraded through the village on a donkey. Local Christians informed the police, who took Asia into custody before the Muslims could carry out their plan. She was held at the police station in Nankana city. Christians there urged the police not to file blasphemy charges, but police claimed they were under pressure from local Muslim leaders.


Seventeen months after Asia's arrest, she was convicted of violating subsection C of Pakistan's 295 blasphemy law - blasphemy against the prophet Muhammad - and was sentenced to death. No Christian in Pakistan has ever been executed under the blasphemy law, but in several cases,extremists have murdered Christians after their release from prison. Asia's conviction and death sentence have brought international attention to the country's blasphemy laws. Christians have called for Asia's release and for a repeal of the laws, while extremists in Pakistan continue to demand that she be executed.


The Voice of the Martyrs urges Christians around the world to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Monthly Visit With Family

Imprisoned Christian Asia Bibi was visited by her husband, Ashiq, on March 6, 2012.

When Asia inquired after her two young daughters, Ashiq told her that the children were healthy and doing well in school. She told him she was feeling discouraged about ever being released.

He said, "Yesterday when we had family prayer, I asked the children what they were praying for. They said, 'We are praying for those people who are helping us and who are trying to release our Mama.' At that moment, Ashiq "felt God's presence, and he said to me, 'Don't be afraid, I am with you.'"

Prison is Tough, Even for the Most Faithful

In April, Asia was going through a rough time. She had to celebrate yet another Easter away from her family. She told her husband, Ashiq, €I am fine, but to be alone and away from my family is frustrating to me. I want to run away from this imprisonment.

Ashiq encouraged her, and said, €You have been steadfast in your faith so far; be patient and trust in God. He will surely guide you.

In June, Ashiq reported that Asia was feeling better. She said another group had brought her some food and
clothes, and she was thankful for them and for all her prayer supporters.

Asia Transferred to a New Prison

Asia Bibi was transferred to a new prison in June 2013, leaving her five hours away from her family. She was previously only an hour away. Her husband, Ashiq, met her on June 6, 2013. She again requested prayer, and told her husband she's been sick and in a lot of pain. Asia continues to await word on her appeal against her blasphemy sentence.


Please pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Please also sign the petition calling for her release. You can find the petition by visiting www.callformercy.com.

http://www.callformercy.com/