OUR MID-MONTH MISSION REPORT/PRAYER ALERT FOR NOVEMBER 2010

OUR MID-MONTH MISSION REPORT/PRAYER ALERT FOR NOVEMBER 2010

By Success Kanayo Uchime

How’re you today, hope all is still well with you? We feel very excited sharing our mid-month mission report to you and hope you're still uplifting us in your prayer.

You'll recall that we told you about our son Victory's 8th birthday, yes, he celebrated it on the 12th! Although just like Miracle's own it was low-keyed as a result of our very low budget here. But we still thank God for all things.

(Behold the birthday boy!)

Our daughter Nkeoma’s studies is still running at the University and she’s doing very well, after completing allthe necessary enrollments.


We still believe God for funds to go for our yearly visa renewals which, from all indications will be approved this month and we still need prayers on that direction.

Our planned mission fundraising in Nigeria is still in focus. Through it we intend to mobilize at least 100 faithful and dedicated mission supporters that’ll be giving us at least $25 monthly. The only challenge we’re having now is getting a good signal in connection with the venue and the moment that’s settled, we’ll let you know ok!

We never failed to meet with our Badjao brethren every Thursday afternoon at the Boulevard area of Dumaguete City, though we’re having lots of challenges right now as we had already told you in our last report. So, please lift our work among the Badjao tribal people up to God in prayer.

(Some Badjao in the Boulevard area)

Please keep praying for us, as the Lord has kept opening for us great doors for effective ministry here in Dumaguete City, but as the apostle Paul puts it in 1 Corinthians 16: 9, there is much opposition (adversaries). And one of the major opposition is funds! Nevertheless, we’re convinced that with your unalloyed prayer support, we’ll surmount this opposition.

Thanks for your prayer support and again we request that you help us mobilize for prayer awareness in your church/fellowships and also to forward this mail to as many Christian friends you have. Or better still to send us emails of your friends that you feel can help us in prayers!

And if the Lord's leading you to sow a seedfaith offering to our mission work, please follow this link: http://kmointer.webs.com/giveyourdonation.htm

Yours in Missions
Kanayo & Ngozi Uchime
(Nigerian Missionaries in the Philippines)
Tel: (GSMs) Kanayo +639089857499 & +639324712532, Ngozi +639283901971, (Office/Home) +6335 4212070
Visit our websites: http://www.kmointer.webs.com/  OR www.seamist.org/uchime
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Iranian Pastor Faces Execution on “Apostasy” Charges

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

Iranian Pastor Faces Execution on “Apostasy” Charges
By Success Kanayo Uchime

It is unimaginable to note the kind of agony Christians in Iran are meant to go through just because they’ve decided to express their fundamental rights of freedom of worship. This is with recent news that one Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani may be executed for the so-called apostasy charges.


In a report by the Washington D.C based International Christian Concern (ICC) (http://www.persecution.org/),  it noted that the pastor received notification that he will be executed on charges of “apostasy” - conversion from Islam to Christianity – and is now awaiting the court’s final verdict.

ICC said that Pastor Nadarkhani, a church leader in Rasht, Iran, was arrested on October 13, 2009 for questioning the Islamic education practice of Christian students – including his own children – to be required to read the Quran in school.

“His execution, initially scheduled for October 24th, was postponed to an unknown date by security forces in hopes that Youcef will renounce Christ and return to Islam. Once the court’s final verdict is delivered, Pastor Youcef will have 20 days to appeal to the Supreme Court,” it stated.

The report said that Pastor Youcef’s wife, Fatemeh Passandideh, was arrested on June 8 and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, after filing an appeal, she was released following a hearing on October 11th. “Although his wife was acquitted, it is unlikely that Pastor Youcef will be granted the same relief as his Christian activity was more prominent and his charge more severe.”

In a letter to the international Christian community, Pastor Youcef took courage and consoled believers around the world: “What we are bearing today, is a difficult but not unbearable situation, because He has not tested us more than our faith can endure. We must consider these bumps and prisons as opportunities to testify to His name.”

ICC urged prayers for Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani – that he will trust and find courage in the Lord. Also that if it be God’s will, he will be released and if not, he will exemplify Christ and give God glory in his calling to suffer for the name of our Savior.

“Pray for Pastor Youcef’s wife and two children – that God will sustain them during this period of great trial. And that they may remain strong in faith, and persevere in the face of tyranny and loss. Pray for Iranian Christians – that they would not be intimidated or grow weary, but will continue to share the Gospel with courage and seek the Lord’s guidance and grace daily,” it stated.

To read Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s letter to the international Christian community, click here: http://presenttruthmn.com/blog/iran/letter-youcef-nadarkhani

Chinese Three-Self Patriotic Movement Attacks Pastor

Hu Jintao, Chinese President

It’s amazing to note how the Chinese Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) church is intimidating Christians and Pastor who’re not of there fold. This can’t continue this way, bearing in mind that all citizens of China are supposed to have freedom of worship as stipulated by the United Nations Charter on people’s right.


Can you imaging a situation where one Pastor Zhan Gang of Jiaozhou Church in Shandong was attacked and beaten by thugs hired by this same TSPM along with other church members?

Lamenting on this recent development, Media Coordinator, China Aid (http://www.chinaaid.org/), Tracy Oliver said that Pastor Zhan Gang arrived at the church along with some members for the usual morning study and suddenly were attacked and beaten by the thugs from TSPM.

“The Christians were forcibly removed from the building. The attack was led by the TSPM director’s sons, namely Wang Zhanquan and Wang Zhanhua, both non-Christians.

Now, nearly 1,000 Christians led by Pastor Zhan Gang will no longer be able to conduct normal gatherings,” she said.

According to her, the director of the Bureau of Religion was directing this operation from behind the scenes and that he said he would not allow Zhan Gang to enter the church because he is not a pastor of the TSPM church.

She noted that the attackers were suspected of being plain-clothed agents adding that Pastor Zhan is also the general secretary of Chinese House Church Alliance.

“ChinaAid supports the members of Jiaozhou Church in their request for Christians all over China to closely monitor this situation, pray for them, and provide help. We request that the TSPM officials in Shandong stop their attack on house church Christians,” she also stated.

For more stories from this author click here: http://www.allvoices.com/users/success4u

How Hindu Radicals Assaulted Pregnant Christian

Pratibha Patil, Indian president

The Hindu radicals have continued their assaults on the Christian population with the recent dehumanizing treatment given to a Christian woman in Orissa, India, a thing that should be of a very serious concern to the rest of the world.


Regional Manager of Africa and South Asia, International Christian Concern (ICC) (http://www.persecution.org/)  Jonathan Racho in a statement said that Hindu radicals severely beat a pregnant Christian woman, Sonadei while she was attending the funeral of her infant daughter.

He noted that the radicals, who refuse to allow Christians to be buried in the village, attacked several other Christians at the funeral with machetes and sticks.

“At the time of this reporting, Sonadei, the assaulted pregnant woman, was bleeding heavily. She has not received any medical attention because there is no hospital in Bendaguda, the village where the attack occurred,” he said.

According to him, one Pastor Vijay KumarVijay Kumar, who was also attacked at the funeral, told how victims are panicked and hiding in a house with the decomposed body of the baby, fearful of what might happen to them next adding that he earnestly requested prayer.

“Our hearts are broken to hear the plight of Sonadei and the other assaulted Christians. It’s very sad that she has to suffer this assault on the day when she was mourning the death of her baby girl, Racho also stated.

He said that this outrageous and inhumane act by Hindu radicals must not go unpunished and that they’re urging Indian police to immediately move to the area, protect the Christians and arrest the perpetrators.

He further stated: “Please pray that Sonadei and her unborn child will survive and get the medical attention they need. Also pray for the rest of the Christians who are now in hiding. Please call the Indian embassy in your country and politely ask the Indian officials with these numbers (Indian Embassies USA: (202) 939-7000, UK: 020 7836 8484 or 020 7632 3123, Canada: (613) 744-3751) to send police to the village of Bendaguda and protect the Christians.”

For more stories from this author click here: http://www.allvoices.com/users/success4u  

Eritrean Govt. Unlawfully Detains 11 Christian for Their Faith

Issayas Afewerki, Eritrean President

Eritrean Govt. Unlawfully Detains Eleven Christians for Their Faith
By Success Kanayo Uchime

It’s very disheartening to note the kind of inhuman treatments Christians undergo in Eritrea just because they’ve decided to practice their faith. The attention of the international community should be drawn to this immediately.

Commenting on this latest development of the arrest of eleven Christians in that country, the Regional Manager of Africa and South Asia, International Christian Concern (ICC) (http://www.persecution.org/)  Jonathan Racho, a Washington, D.C. based Christian advocacy group said that on October 20, Eritrean government officials arrested the Christians and took them to unknown locations.

He noted that the Eritrean security officials rounded off the Christians from the cities of Mendefera, Dekemharre and Dibarwa following an order given by Mustafa Nurhussein, the governor of the Southern Zone (province) of Eritrea. The governor ordered a crackdown on Christians living in his province.

“The security officials also confiscated TVs, video players and other electronic equipment that belonged to the Christians,” he stated.

Racho observed that most of the detained belong to the Full Gospel Church, an evangelical church that was among those that were banned by Eritrean officials in 2002 adding that Eritrea only recognizes four religious groups: Islam, the Eritrean Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran Evangelical Church of Eritrea.

He further stated: “Even members of the recognized Christian groups have not escaped persecution. In May 2007, Eritrean officials deposed Abune Antonios, patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church and put him under house arrest. The patriarch and several other members of the church still remain in custody.”

He said that the communist government officials of Eritrea have detained more than three thousand Christians, keeping them under inhumane conditions. The Christians are imprisoned in metal shipping containers, military barracks and underground dungeons and that many Christians have died inside the prisons due to torture and harsh prison conditions.

“We are saddened to hear about the detention of the 11 Christians. Eritrean officials have continued to mistreat Christians in the country for choosing to practice their faith. We ask Eritrea to immediately release the 11 Christians and the more than 3000 others who are illegally detained. Where is the outcry from the international community for the plight of Christians in Eritrea?” Racho queried.

For more stories from this author click here: http://www.allvoices.com/users/success4u

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Badjao in Dumaguete City Sad Over Police Frequent Arrests

The Badjao people with some KMO-INTER missionaries in Dumaguete city
Picture by KMO-INTER (http://www.kmointer.webs.com/)

The Badjao people, they need your support!
Picture by KMO-INTER (http://www.kmointer.webs.com/)

These Badjao kids needs your help!
Picture by KMO-INTER (http://www.kmointer.webs.com/)

Badjao in Dumaguete City Sad Over Police Frequent Arrests


By Success Kanayo Uchime
http://www.kmointer.webs.com/

Things are not really going well with lots of the Badjao tribal people settling in Dumaguete City as the Philippines National Police (PNP) will always swoop on them as an owl will always swoop down to grab a mouse.

This is always the occurring case with these neglected and marginalized Badjao people who’re always spotted at the Boulevard area and other parts of the city doing what they know best – either selling pearls or begging for arms.

A cross section of them who were interviewed felt hurt by this incessant harassments by the PNP and other government agencies and are quick to plead to them to give peace a chance by allowing them to move freely in a country they’ve a “common wealth.”

Speaking on this development, the Chief Operations and Plans, Dumaguete City Police Station, Mr.Eduardo Sojor Oira said that the case is not always like that adding that the police only act based on the order of the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD).

He said that the City Government through the DSWD put in place a taskforce to monitor the activities of the Badjao people stressing that the police is just a member of that taskforce.

“If the DSWD request for our assistance concerning the Badjao immediately we provide them that. When DSWD operate they ask for our help and the Badjao are always under the custody of the DSDW not the police. They’ve not committed any criminal offence, therefore police has no basis to arrest them,” he stated.

Mr. Oira noted that on no account have they requested the Badjao people to move out of Dumaguete City as the police have no problem with them adding that the police only carry out its legitimate function by giving its assistance to the taskforce that was setup by the City Government.

One of the Badjao, who described himself as Malah Kunog felt bitter about the whole scenario and pleaded on the City Government and the police to assist his people by providing them with a resettlement center and also empowering them economically.

He believed that since his people are great fishermen, the Government can do well by providing them tools like boats and other fishing tools that will enable them engage themselves in a meaningful venture.

The Badjao or Bajau, which means man of the seas, are constantly having a sense of rejection and at present are known as the most marginalized ethnic group and also one of the poorest tribes in the Philippines or rather the poorest of the poor.

They’re a Muslim tribe that is always avoided by almost every Filipino they come across and this has put them in a disadvantaged position to engage in any meaningful venture that will enable them to be self-supporting financially.

The Badjao are often regarded as social outcasts and never-do-wells, whose stock in trade is always and nothing but begging for arms a scenario that’s not always accepted by their fellow Filipinos. In fact the discrimination is so intense that an average Filipino always finds it difficult to patronize the Badjao who hawk pearls, fish or other goods. They’re only left at the mercy of few foreigners who don’t know that they’re “Badjao.”

The plight of the Badjao tribal people was taken to the former Mayor of Dumaguete City, Hon. Augustine Perdices by a group of missionaries working under the Kingdom Missions Outreach International Inc. (KMO-INTER), the only known organization in Dumaguete City helping to rehabilitate the Badjao people, and the Mayor then said that his office is particularly worried over some of them who beg and thereby liter the streets with garbage. The Mayor showed serious concern for them and wished that well-meaning organizations would come up to assist them.

According to him, the government would be ready to work with any such organizations that’ll have an articulate program for them in terms of livelihood projects and others. And his statement collaborates well with that of his successor, Hon. Manuel ‘Chiquiting’ Sagarbarria who also showed willingness to partner with any group ready to work among the Badjao tribal people in Dumaguete City.

Welcoming in his office delegates from KMO-INTER recently who came to pay him a courtesy visit, Hon. Sagarbarria said his Government is ready to deal ones and for all with this social problem of street begging by the Badjao and others and as such mandated the DSWD, to liaise with his office on the progress being made by KMO-INTER in reaching out to the Badjao.

The case of the Badjao in Dumaguete City is similar to that of the Badjao elsewhere in the whole of the Philippines as investigations show that even in Manila their case is even made worst as they kept running away from the Pasay police, officers of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) there.

These government agencies give reason for there action from the October 1999 presidential memorandum which instituted the Rescue-Care Program or better known as “Sagip-Kalinga Program. This program amongst other things empowers the police, MMDA and DSWD to arrest and rescue street dwellers, which include the street children, the mentally-ill drug addicts and all others that pose as a social menace in metro Manila.

Further to that they are also carrying out these constant arrests of these groups of people based on the Presidential Decree 1563 or the Anti-Mendicancy Law which also empowers them to do so.

The Manila police authorities claimed that the Badjao, along with other street dwellers, are collected and brought to a rehabilitation center in Malibay, Pasay, where they’re taken care of by the city’s social workers and other Sagip-Kalinga personnel.

This project it’s believed encourages them to return to their hometown and start a new life. And what they do with them is to try and talk them into realizing the dangers inherent in city life and are also given some stipends that’ll take care of their feeding and transport back home.

But the question is this, what are their counterparts in Dumaguete City doing in order to elevate the suffering of these neglected Badjao people in the city? The case is the opposite in Dumaguete City where they’re being arrested and taken out of the city without any meaningful program on ground to rehabilitate them. And what we usually see is a vicious circle where the Badjao after a while will return back to the city to continue begging on the streets, thereby making a mockery of the whole exercise.

The Government should put in place articulate programs on ground that’ll facilitate their immediate rehabilitation, like a resettlement center, where they’ll be taught livelihood programs that’ll liberate them economically. And even when the government can’t do this alone due to logistics involved, they should encourage other non-governmental agencies like KMO-INTER that are at present making desperate moves to help the Badjao people come out of this life of penury they’ve come to leave with.

As some of them interviewed said that if they can be empowered with fishing boats (baker) and many other economic empowerment projects, they’ll ultimately leave the streets and become productive, thereby contributing to the economic growth and development of the Philippines.

The irony of it all is that these Badjao consistently claim that they’re not lazy contrary to the insinuation of other Filipinos and, they strongly believe that if given a level playing ground, they’ll excel more than any other average Filipino. And one could see this in most of them, as they’re determined to come out of this poverty stricken life. They eagerly and consciously want to be liberated from their present precarious situation and this you see in their long distance trekking everyday in an effort to sell their pearls.

And it needs to be submitted and reiterated also that the earlier the government, both the city, regional and federal governments come to the rescue of these disadvantaged and often time stigmatized group of people the better the society will be for it. We can’t be talking of health, education, and food for all, when there is no adequate plan for the poorest of the poor in the Philippines – the Badjao.

As legitimate citizens of this country, it’s their fundamental rights to enjoy free and compulsory education, adequate healthcare program and what’s more a meaningful and deserving livelihood. The Badjao tribal people should be treated as fellow human beings not outcasts in their own country.

If you wish to send your support to this our Badjao project, please click here: http://kmointer.webs.com/giveyourdonation.htm

Pakistani Politicians Instigate Attacks on Christians

Asif Ali ZARDARI, Pakistani President

There are indications that powerful politicians in Pakistan are the brains behind the incessant mob attacks targeted on the Christian minorities in the country.

Mission Network News (MNN) (http://www.mnnonline.org/)  report said that though it has not yet been fully substantiated, but that speculations going round the country show a great involvement of politicians in those attacks.

MNN report noted that a mob of angry Muslims went on a rampage on September 23 in the Gujarat district, Punjab province, Pakistan adding that their target are dozens of Christians.

“Voice of the Martyrs Canada confirms a mob of 40 militants fired shots at homes and individuals in the streets and beat some Christians severely, leaving them for dead,” it added.

It continued: “According to a report from Compass Direct News, ten families were targeted for the attacks. There are rumors that three powerful politicians instigated the mob, but that has yet to be substantiated.”

It observed that reports claim that the mob hinted at an attack similar to the Islamist assault on Gojra in 2009, when an Islamic mob acting on a false rumor of blaspheming the Quran, and whipped into frenzy by local imams attacked the Christian colony there on August 1, 2009.

The attack it noted resulted in the burning of at least seven Christians to death and injuring of 19 others, looting more than 100 houses, and setting fire to 50 of them.

It said that there were more death threats which were given credence after the assault on Tariq Gill, a man exonerated of charges of blaspheming the Qur'an in September 2009. Tariq's parents were also attacked and humiliated. Several critically-injured Christians are recovering in the hospital.

“Pray that authorities will act justly and with integrity in this case. Pray that Christians in Pakistan will take comfort in the promise of the Lord that those who suffer with Christ will also be glorified with Him,” it further said.

For more stories from this author click here: http://www.allvoices.com/users/success4u

Pakistani Muslim Extremists Assault Pastor for Preaching

Pakistani President, Asif Ali ZARDARI

It has been reported that five Muslim extremists in Pakistan severely assaulted one Pastor Emmanuel Beshir of Holy City Pentecostal Church, for preaching.


The Regional Manager, Africa and South Asia, International Christian Concern (ICC) http://www.persecution.org/  Jonathan Racho, said that the Pastor was returning from preaching in Bahmani Wala village at 9 PM when five young men stopped him.

“They asked, “Why do you preach that Jesus Christ is Lord and nobody can get salvation without Jesus Christ?” The pastor replied, “We will never stop preaching about the Lord Jesus Christ and we will tell about him to all the nations.” The men assaulted him with wooden rods, breaking his right hand and multiple ribs. Pastor Beshir is receiving medical treatment at Farooq Hospital in Lahore city, “ he added.

According to Racho, Christians have been targeted before in Bahamani Wala village. On June 30, 2009, more than 600 Muslims attacked Christians in the village after falsely accusing them of blaspheming against Muhammad. The attackers destroyed the Christian homes and looted their property.

“We are deeply concerned by the attack against Pastor Beshir. The right to freedom of religion, including the right to share one’s faith, is an internationally recognized principle of human rights. Unfortunately Christian minorities face attacks and even death when sharing their faith in Islamic countries. We urge Pakistan to protect Christian minorities from such attacks,” he also said.

In his response, Pastor Beshir stated: “When they assaulted me, it was very dark and there was no light around so I couldn’t identify my attackers. These are end times. Jesus said ‘Go to all the nations and preach the gospel.’”

He continued: “We have to fulfill this great commission and while fulfilling the great commission, there must be difficulties, persecution and problems. And Jesus said that ‘When the persecution comes you have to be glad and happy that you are persecuted because of the word of God.’”

India Imposes Curfew Aftermath of Christians Protest

The Indian president Pratibha Patil

In response to the recent protest by thousands of Christians in India over an arson attack on a church, the officials in the town of Malerkotla in Punjab have imposed a curfew.


This indication is contained in a statement by the Release International http://www.releaseinternational.org/  adding that tension is high after a mob set fire to furniture and valuables inside a Church of North India (CNI) building in a mainly Muslim area late on September 12.

Christians Gathered Outside the Christian Medical College

“Soon afterwards, large numbers of Christians gathered outside the Christian Medical College demanding that officials act swiftly to find the culprits,” the statement added.

It noted that Release partner All India Christian Council (AICC) reported that church leaders then gave officials an ultimatum that unless the culprits were arrested by 4pm on September 13, Christians would stage further, larger protests.

It stated: “When local officials admitted they had not yet made arrests, thousands of Christians demonstrated at the main road junction in Malerkotla, blocking the traffic. Tensions in the town remain high.”

It said that church leaders are now calling on the local administration to cover the cost of repairs to the fire-damaged church. A fact-finding team from AICC has been given official permission to visit Malerkotla.

Bill Introduced by the Hindu Nationalist

“AICC is one of many Christian organizations campaigning against a Bill introduced by the Hindu nationalist BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) which Christians fear would restrict the flow of foreign aid to Indian non-government organizations,” it added.

It further said: “The Foreign Contribution Regulation Bill would require NGOs such as AICC to register every five years and would ban all 'political' organizations from registering at all, offering no clear definition of what the word 'political' might mean in this context. The Bill has been passed by Parliament but still requires the President to sign it before it can pass into law.”

It would be noted that just recently, the Italian Foreign Minister, Franco FrattiniFranco Frattini openly condemned the incessant anti-Christian attacks in India‘s Punjab and Kashmir towns where rioters burned a Christian school and church.

International Community Speaks Out

The minister in a statement called upon the international community to speak with one voice and to take on the obligation of defending, in each and every context, the principle of religious freedom - a freedom which is a fundamental human right.

Franco Frattini said: “News is coming in from India of dramatic episodes of violence against the Christian community. News that stirs feelings of profound indignation and the utmost censure.”

Reacting also to this ugly development, the president International Christian Concern (ICC), Jeff KingJeff King, commended the Italian government for taking the lead in condemning attacks on Christians by Muslim mobs in India stressing that it’s unfortunately that most political leaders and media personalities are focused on protecting Muslims from any perceived offense.

“We believe that people should be free to burn the Bible or the Qur'an without fear of attack that is their misguided wish. We are shocked that the heart of the cultural debate is not focused on those who resort to violence when offended, especially when the victims have nothing to do with the original offense. More leaders need to follow Italy’s foreign minister’s example,” he also said.

It needs to be recalled also that just recently, the communist Maoists in India killed one Pastor Pangi Papa Rao on his way back from a prayer meeting and openly assaulted the wife, who was with him at the time of the killing.

For more reports from this author please click here: http://www.allvoices.com/users/success4u

India Communist Rebels Kill Pastor, Assault Wife

  











Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil,
President of India


The persecution and suppression of Christians in India has taken a new dimension with the recent murder of a pastor and deadly assault on his wife.


According to the Regional Manager for Africa and South Asia, International Christian Concern (ICC), Jonathan Racho, Pastor Pangi Papa Rao and his wife, Chittamma, were returning from a prayer meeting when the masked communists (Maoists) stopped them and the pastor told them his name and explained that he and his wife were returning home from a prayer meeting.

“As soon as they heard the pastor’s name, they murdered him in front of his wife and severely beat her. The communist rebels decapitated and cut up his body after murdering the pastor,” Racho said.

He noted that the communists gave a statement to the local newspaper that they were responsible for the pastor’s death. “They said they had killed him because the pastor was an informant for the government of India. They warned others that they also would receive the same kind of punishment.”

Racho said that the pastor was a dedicated Christian and never worked as an informant of the government. He is survived by his wife and 19-year-old daughter. Pastor Rao’s church had close to 40 members; the congregation now attends a nearby church.

“We are deeply saddened by the murder of Pastor Rao. We strongly condemn the brutal murder of the pastor and the assault of his wife. We urge Indian officials to protect its citizens from such heinous crime,” he added.

It’s to be noted that the communist (Maoist) rebels have been fighting the government of India for several years. They have strong support among landless farmers and tribal groups.

ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. It provides awareness, advocacy, and assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church and for more information, log on to their website: http://www.persecution.org/

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Pakistani Indigenous Missions Reach Out to Flood Victims

A little baby rescued
from Pakistan flood waters

It’s amazing how the indigenous missionaries in Pakistan are helping to rehabilitated families devastated by the recent flooding in Pakistan, which displaced over 20 million people.


The United States base Christian Aid Mission (CAM) http://www.christianaid.org%20in/ its recent release said that local missionary volunteers are helping out a family dig out silt and set up fans to dry out their house.

It noted that although the secular news media have nearly forgotten the flood disaster in Pakistan, local Christian mission teams still carry on the grueling relief efforts every day.

“Delivering aid to one family at a time, they are often forced to use public transportation and walk to remote villages. Native missionary volunteers are finding that a family can survive and start to rebuild with about $100 in emergency supplies,” it added.

According to the report, with emergency relief supplied by CAM local missionaries are able to reach stranded families with incredible efficiency adding that CAM helps in delivering compassion to over 750 native mission agencies working among the poor in 3000 people groups around the world. “Contributions continue to be accepted by Christian Aid for Pakistan.”.

One of the missionaries said: "Every morning our teams check to see which roads are open and then we deliver relief goods to local pastors and church leaders in that area. We use our mission mini-van, motor rickshaws and even public buses to deliver emergency supplies. We purchase goods in Rawalpindi with the emergency grant from Christian Aid and then take them out to the local Christian mission teams.”

He noted that Christian volunteers load bed frames onto a motorized rickshaw to help deliver emergency aid to Pakistan flood victims. To survive the floods and set up camp on higher ground, a small family needs about $100 in relief goods.

"The local pastors and leaders already know the situation and which families are in most need - 30 in one village, 150 in another, one here or another there. With the help of this Christian Aid grant, we are able to demonstrate the love and mercy of God as soon as it is possible to get to the survivors," the missionary added.

It needs to be noted that, CAM sends help to local missions groups in almost every underdeveloped country of the world, and the assistance varies according to local needs.

In Pakistan, for example, they are helping to supply flood survivors with the immediate items needed to start recovery - food packages, bed frames with nylon netting, blankets, canteens and water bottles, metal trunks, mess kits, pedestal fans, and changes of clothing.

These kinds of goods are produced and purchased within the local economy - and rarely provided by the government or foreign aid agencies.

Children of Murdered Somali Christian Conscripted for Military Training

Some Somalia insurgents with one of their captors

The Al Shabaab insurgents in Somalia have conscripted the children of the murdered Christian man Osman Abdullah Fataho for military training.


The United Kingdom (UK) based Christian charity organization, Release International (RI) http://www.releaseinternational.org/,  in a recent report said that Fataho and his entire family were kidnapped some few months back, but that they later released the wife and children - Ali 5, Fatuma 7, Sharif 10 and Nur 15, while they shot him dead.

According to RI stated that the children will be forcibly converted to Islam and turned into child soldiers adding that Fataho, who was deeply involved in the activities of his secret Christian community, is reported to have been raised as a Muslim – making him an obvious target for Al Shabaab.

“The insurgents are determined to extend Sharia or strict Islamic law across Somalia – and are actively targeting Christians, murdering at least 15 of them last year alone. Al Shabaab recently outlawed bell-ringing at the end of school classes – because it evoked the sound of church bells,” it stated.

It noted that this and other instances of anti-Christian violence have forced several leaders of Somalia's underground Christian movement to flee their homes and go into hiding.

According to RI, the incident has spread fear among Christians in this lawless country, much of which lies in the grip of ruthless insurgent’s intent on rooting out any person professing Christianity. "Leaders of the Christian underground movement have been forced to flee their homes to avoid being killed by the insurgents."

Open Doors Prayer Communications team http://www.opendoorsuk.org/  in its own report said that this year, Al-Shabaab insurgents have already murdered four Christians in separate incidents, targeting those who have converted from Islam or are active in their faith.

“Please pray that Fataho's children will be protected from harm and from false teaching, and that they would be returned to their home and their mother soon. Pray also for courage and protection for the Christian leaders forced to flee their homes,” it also added.

For more reports from this author please click here: http://www.allvoices.com/users/success4u

US Pastor Makes U-turn Suspends Koran Burning

Pastor Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach

Pastor Terry Jones, the leader of the 50-member Dove World Outreach Centre, Florida, in the United States of America (USA), said he has suspended his planned “International Burn-a-Koran Day.”


Pastor Jones who said he didn’t cancel the idea, but merely putting it on hold, intended to use the event to mark the 11th anniversary of September 11, 2001 bombing of the twin tower, New York by some Muslim terrorists.

The recent move according to him is as a result of the promise he received from the president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida, Muhammad Musri, that a proposed mosque in New York will be moved away from the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks.

But Pastor Jones claimed that Musri lied to him after the leader of the New York mosque leader said there was no such agreement.

According to Musri, there was only an agreement for him and Pastor Jones to travel to New York to meet the Imam overseeing plans to build the mosque. "I told the pastor that I personally believe the mosque should not be there, and I will do everything in my power to make sure it is moved.

"But there is not any offer from New York that it will be moved. All we have agreed to is a meeting, and I think we would all like to see a peaceful resolution," Musri added.

Pastor Jones said he relented when Musri assured him that the New York mosque will be moved adding that as a result he is now putting the protest on hold instead of a total cancellation.

But Pastor Jones did not say whether the Quran burning could still hold on Saturday, September 11, as planned or not, but rather insisted that he expects Musri to keep his word and also expects the imam in New York to back up one of his own men.

It’ll be noted, that Pastor Jones had never invoked the mosque controversy as a reason for his planned protest, but only cited his belief that the Quran is evil because it espouses something other than biblical truth and incites radical, violent behavior among Muslims.

Chinese Police Destroys Prayer House

Chinas persecution of Christians

The Police authorities in China have destroyed a prayer house known as “Prayer Mountain,” a complex owned by the Taishan Christian House Church and located in Qinggang District, Yuhuan County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang province.


International Christian Concern (ICC) reports that this incident came on the heels of more recent persecution against house churches in China.

It noted that several elderly Christians were disturbed during their morning prayers when authorities trooped into their mountainside prayer center adding that they were forcibly removed, and then watched helplessly as the building was demolished.

“The police removed about twenty elderly Christians from the building. No one seemed injured. Workmen proceeded to destroy the church’s prayer room, school room, and training center rooms,” ICC noted.

China Aid also reports that at least three house churches were shut down on August 5th and 6th of 2010. They belonged to China Gospel Fellowship (CGF), one of the major house church networks in China, with an estimated 5-7 million members.

A notable Chinese “underground church” leader, Pastor Bob Fu said that in August, they saw an increase in persecution that is alarming and unjustifiable. “We condemn the destruction of the Prayer Mountain church complex, and urge local authorities to cease their threats against the China Gospel Fellowship to prevent them from exercising their religious freedoms.”

China Aid has strongly condemned the unjust destruction of the Taishan Christian House Church’s building adding that they’re asking for prayers of encouragement for the church members. “We also stand with China Gospel Fellowship’s bold leaders. We urge the international community to speak against this continued oppression of religious freedom.”

“Please praise God that the elderly Christians of “Prayer Mountain” were not injured by the Chinese police force also pray that the worshippers will be encouraged and empowered by the Lord to continue to remain strong in worship.”

“Also pray that the Chinese non-Christians will receive the Good News of Salvation which is only through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. And that the international community will continue to speak against this continued oppression of religious freedoms.”

Muslim Extremists Jail Break Worries Nigerian Church Leaders

Nigerian children thank ICC for the toys they provided.
Pix by ICC

The recent jail break carried out by some Muslim extremists in Nigeria - the Boko Haram, has become a source of serious worry for the Nigerian Church leaders and the general Christian public.


In a recent report by the Regional Manager for Africa and South Asia, International Christian Concern (ICC) http://www.persecution.org/ Jonathan Racho, he said that church leaders in northern Nigeria are alarmed by the massive escape of Boko Haram members.

“We learned that more than 700 members of an Islamic extremist group, Boko Haram, escaped after suspected fellow members of the group raided a prison in Bauchi, northern Nigeria,” he added.

He said that a group of armed men attacked the prison and fought with the prison guards for two hours and that at least four people were reportedly killed during the shootout.

Racho stated: “We are extremely concerned by the escape of Boko Haram members from prison. This is yet another indication of the failure by Nigerian authorities to protect their citizens from the violence by Islamic extremist groups. We urge Nigerian officials to immediately re-arrest the escapees and protect the citizens of the country from future attacks.”

In his own reaction, the General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN) Kaduna State chapter, Rev. John Hayab, he said: “The escape from prison is a clear indication of anarchy. Boko Haram is a threat to Christians in northeastern part of Nigeria where Christians were killed, including pastors, and churches were burned down. More people could be killed if they are not checked.”

According to him, in July 2009, members of Boko Haram carried out attacks against Nigerian police officials leading to the death of more than 700 people adding that members of Boko Haram also killed a dozen Christians, including Pastor Sabo Yakubu, Rev. Sylvester O. Akpan and Rev. GeorgeGeorge Orji.

In another development, the President, ICC, Jeff KingJeff King in launching “Nigeria Rebuild” a project through which it hope to raise support for the victims of the last Muslim extremists attacks in the north said: “We hear their cry and are committed to help these devastated people rebuild their lives. Our efforts have already helped, but so much more is needed.

He further stated: “Our economy may be sluggish, but we have never experienced anything like the price these people have paid for believing in Christ. They need your help, and I’m asking you to be generous on their behalf. If you want to help, put “Nigeria Rebuild” in your check notation, and we’ll do the rest. Thank you in advance for your generosity.”

He said that ICC responded quickly to the need of the victims by supplying 65 Christian families each with 110 lbs. of fertilizer to help restore their crops, they had been given seed already. We also provided clothes, books, toys and toiletries to more than 215 children in the village.

“The Christians are living under constant fear and still grieve over the loss of their loved ones, but they are thankful that they were not completely slaughtered. Some families were. Their corporate cry is this: “May God take up our case and do justice,” he also said.

Pakistani Government Discriminates Christians in Relief Distribution

The adverse effect of Pakistan flood

The anti-Christian posture of the Pakistani Government in the distribution of relief materials meant for the victims of the recent flood that hit the country has become so worrisome.


International Christian Concern (ICC) http://www.persecution.org/, a United States (US) based Christian humanitarian organization, reports that the Muslim aid agencies have continually marginalized the Christian minorities in the distribution, who are incidentally among the millions of Pakistanis left homeless

It observed that lots of them have lost not only their homes but also their source of livelihood as their crops and subsistence fields have been washed away along with seed for next season’s planting.

Reacting to this spate of discriminations, the Pakistan Christian Congress (PCC) said that Muslim relief organizations and government agencies have been denying assistance to Christians affected by the flooding in Punjab province.

Also reacting, the President, Open Doors, USA, Carl Moeller, stated, “Some are flatly denied assistance while others are told to vacate the region or convert to Islam. Imagine, giving up your faith in order to feed your starving children–-what a horrible choice. The church in Pakistan needs another way to take care of their families. They’re looking to you and to me.”

The International Director, Barnabas Fund, an international charity focusing on Christian minorities in the Islamic world, Patrick Sookhdeo, in his contribution, said that Barnabas Fund channels money exclusively from Christians through Christians to Christians who desperately need our help.

Also speaking, the President, World Vision U.S., http://www.worldvision.org/ Rich Stearns said that World Vision has already delivered food and clean water to more than 21,000 people in Charsada and Nowshera. “We have also opened five emergency health clinics in Lower Dir, treating more than 2,500 people suffering from waterborne diseases and other illnesses.

He noted that the vast floods have created a critical situation in Pakistan, where the number of homeless has just doubled to four million people and that the United Nations (UN) estimates that 20 million people urgently need food, shelter, and emergency care — that's 10 times as many as were impacted by the earthquake in Haiti.

According to Stearns, in the coming months, the goal of World Vision is to provide life-saving supplies like water purification packets, hygiene kits, tents, cooking items, and food to 300,000 people.

“We also hope to open health posts, Child-Friendly Spaces, and Women-Friendly Spaces, and offer additional support to children and families. But we can't continue our response without your support,” he also stated.

The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moonBan Ki-moon had earlier declared: "Make no mistake: this is a global disaster, a global challenge. It is one of the greatest tests of global solidarity in our times."

One other Christian humanitarian organization reaching out to the flood victims, Serve In Missions (SIM) www.sim.org , said that over the past days, it has been distributing emergency packs containing: 10kgs of flour, one kg each of lentils, chickpeas and sugar, one liter of milk, one liter of cooking oil, and salt, red pepper and matches.

It pointed out that its plan is to continue distribution of these basic supplies, but expect that the need for medical help will increase adding that in the initial stages, it sought to provide basic food items and medicine.

SIM observed that in the north, roads and bridges have been severely damaged cutting off whole communities from the rest of the country and that for weeks to come the only way into these areas will be by plane or helicopter. “In the south the huge number of displaced people and unhygienic conditions threaten to cause mass outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The damage to Pakistan's infrastructure will take a long time to put right.”

How Pakistani Taliban Killed Three Christian Aid Workers

Pakistani devastating Flood

The news of the killing of the three foreign Christian aid workers by the Pakistani Taliban was received with sadness as the country has continuously. The victims were part of the team providing aid to victims of the massive flooding in Pakistan.


According to Compass Direct News (CDN), the authorities recovered the bodies of the three Christian relief workers who had been kidnapped and killed by members of the Taliban in the flood-ravaged country.

Speaking on this ugly incident, the Swat District Coordination Officer, Atif-ur-Rehman said that an official at the international humanitarian organization that employed the workers withheld their names and requested that the agency remain unnamed for security reasons.

He observed that the foreign aid workers have been working in Mingora and the surrounding areas adding that the victims were returning to their base at around 5:35 p.m. on the faithful day, when a group of Taliban attacked their vehicle. They injured around five-six people and kidnapped three foreign humanitarian workers.

“The Military sources who withheld news of the deaths from electronic and print media to avoid panicking other relief workers granted permission to Compass to publish it in limited form,” he added.

According to Rehman, Pakistan has been hit by its worst flooding in decades, with the United Nations now estimating more than 21.8 million people have been affected.

“Foreign aid workers are involved in relief activities across the country, including Swat district in Khyber-Paktunkhwa Province in northern Pakistan. At least 8 million people require emergency relief, with hundreds of thousands reportedly isolated from aid supplies,” he also said.

He stated: “An army Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) source said rangers have been deployed in Swat and other potential target areas to help provide security for relief workers. The Taliban had warned about attacks on foreigner aid workers and Christian organizations.”

Also speaking, the president of an advocacy organization, Life for All, Rizwan Paul, said that the bodies of the three relief workers had been sent to Islamabad under the supervision of the Pakistan Army.

“We strongly condemn the killing of the three humanitarian workers. These aid workers came to support us, and we are thankful to the humanitarian organizations that came to help us in a time of need,” he said.

Pointing to alleged discrimination against minorities in distribution of humanitarian aid, Paul added that Christians in severely flood-damaged areas in Punjab Province have been neglected adding that the majority of the effected Christians in Punjab are in Narowal, Shakargarh, Muzzafargarh, Rahim Yar Khan and Layyah.

How Christians are Being Victimized Somalia

Somali President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed

Somalia has continued its suppression of the Christian minorities in the country despite both internal and international outcries as a Christian was reportedly killed while his children were kidnapped.


In a release by the Open Doors Prayer Communications team, www.opendoorsuk.org/pray/loik, it noted that one Abdullah – Christian man had been murdered on 21 July in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.

It said that suspected al-Shabaab rebels entered Abdullah's house and gunned him down in front of his wife and children adding that when the attackers left, they took the wife, who was later released, and the children with them.

“It appears that Abdullah was killed for his faith. Sources described him as an influential member of his community. Over recent years a number of Somalis suspected of leaving Islam to follow Christ have been murdered,” the release said.

According to the release, the extremist al-Shabaab movement has vowed to topple Somalia's shaky transitional government and impose a strict version of Islamic law stressing that the situation in the country had been very tense in the lead up to Ramadan, the month of Muslim fasting which started on 11 August.

“Al-Shabaab rebels were said to have ordered residents to hand over their televisions and satellite dishes in preparation for Ramadan. Anyone who refused would be considered a spy – an accusation al-Shabaab rebels deem deserving of death,” it also noted.

Further to that, it observed that the Al-Shabaab are known for their reign of terror in the areas under their control: amputating the legs of youngsters for theft; decapitating Christians for ‘espionage'; and claiming responsibility for blowing up a nightclub in the Ugandan capital Kampala in July, killing more than 70 people. This is apparently because of the country's participation in peace-keeping operations in the war-torn Horn of Africa.

“Please pray for God's comfort for Abdullah's family, and for the release of the children who appear to still be in the custody of their father's murderers. Also pray for the protection of Christians in Somalia and the Somali-dominated regions of the neighboring countries - Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya - during this time of Ramadan.”

For more information on Open Door, log on to their website: http://www.opendoorsuk.org/

Persecution of Christians in Vietnam Takes a Drastic Turn

Vietnamese Prsident, Nguyen Minh Triet

Tragic details emerge in Vietnamese persecution of Christians as new details about recent religious persecution in the country and the following brutal cover-up has been revealed.


The Advocacy Officer, International Christian Concern (ICC) Logan Maurer, in a recent release said that Vietnamese authorities ordered the Christian Con Dau village, near the city of Da Nang, to be abandoned to build a resort on the site.

He noted that when the people resisted water irrigation was shut off to the rice fields, cutting the main source of income and food adding that on May 4, 2010, Vietnamese police surrounded and attacked a funeral as it approached the cemetery.

“Police arrested and beat 62 persons including women that were stripped naked. One pregnant woman, Le Thi Van, was struck in her stomach until she had a miscarriage.

After the initial incident, special police units have since returned to Con Dau multiple times, demanding information and forcing villagers to sign self-incriminating statements and to spy on each other,” he stated.

Maurer said that those suspected of taking pictures and communicating to the outside world have been beaten and that some villagers have been forced to return to the local police station for further interrogation and torture.

He observed that one of the funeral procession leaders, Thomas Nam Nguyen, refused to return to the police station after being recalled and beaten multiple times stressing that on July 2, the police came to his house and caught him as he tried to escape.

“He was handcuffed and ordered to kneel with his head on the ground while the police kicked his back, chest and head. His wife was present and begged the police to stop. They continued to beat him for approximately four hours, and then released him in critical condition. On July 3, he died at home in the hands of his mother, surrounded by his wife and three children,” he added.

Maurer stated that the Vietnamese government has exposed its brutality and greed, torturing and killing Christians to make room for their ambition. The tourist resort they plan to build in Con Dau will have its foundation in blood. “In 2006 the US State Department removed Vietnam from the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list, citing progress in religious freedom. This incident shows it could not be more wrong.”

“Please contact the Vietnamese embassy in your country and politely ask the Vietnamese officials if they are aware of what has occurred in Con Dau. Vietnamese embassy contact info: (US) 202.861.0737, (UK) 44.20.7937.6108, (Canada) 613.236.0772

In his own reaction to these developments, the Executive Director of Boat People SOS, the organization representing the Con Dau victims, Dr. Thang Nguyen said that the people of Con Dau are living in desperate fear and confusion and that hundreds of residents have been fined, and many have escaped to Thailand.

He said that eight individuals are still in police custody and are waiting trial adding that to date no family members have been able to see them. “Their names are Nguyen Huu Liem, Tran Thanh Viet, Doan Cang, Le Thanh Lam, Nguyen Thi The, Phan Thi Nhan, Nguyen Thi Lieu, and Nguyen Huu Minh.”

Nguyen stated: “On August 18, Congress held a hearing on Vietnamese persecution, focusing on the Con Dau incident. Witnesses included the brother of Thomas Nam Nguyen, a brother of a villager who escaped to Thailand, and a sister of two who are currently imprisoned. It was noted that the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Michael W. Michalak, said that the incident was a land dispute and refused to become directly involved.”

ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides awareness, advocacy, and assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information log on to their website: http://www.persecution.org/

Russian Pastor Killed While Leaving Church Building

Pastor Artur Suliemanov

It’s disheartening to note how a Russian Pastor, Artur Suleimanov, 49, the pastor of Hosanna Christian Church in Makhachkala, the largest church in the capital of Dagestan, was killed by gunmen on the evening of 15 July while leaving his church building.


This revelation is contained in separate reports from Mission Network News (MNN) http://www.mnnonline.org/  and Compass Direct News (CDN) http://www.compassdirect.org/ adding that the identity of the shooters remains unclear.

The report noted that in the weeks leading up to the killing, Dagestan media broadcast called for people to take measures against Suleimanov because he was too “active” and converted ethnic Muslims.

“Russian Ministries reports that throughout his ministry he received threats from radical Muslims--he himself being a former Muslim and thus considered an apostate. In countries with high Muslim populations, apostates can be punished by death; Dagestan is 98 percent Muslim,” the report said.

It continued: “As officials investigate Suleimanov's death, though no one has been found responsible, they have not ruled out radicals as the attackers. Not dwelling on his death, Suleimanov's congregation celebrates his life, recalling him as a "strong, supportive and positive leader. He is survived by his wife, Zina, and five children."

It pointed out that Suleimanov founded Hosanna Christian Church in Makhachkala in 1994 and that the church started out as a small prayer group, but now with 1,000 members adding that it is the largest Protestant church in the Northern Caucacus region.

According to the report, 80 percent of the congregation is made up of former Muslims stressing that the congregation established other branch churches throughout Dagestan and a formal Bible study center at the Makhachkala church. “Suleimanov also equipped the church to distribute food and other aid to residents of the poverty-ridden country.”

It also said that Suleimanov death follows the shooting of Orthodox priest Daniil Sisoev of St.Thomas church in Moscow last November, which a Muslim group claimed responsibility for the slaying.

It needs to be noted that Dagestan is a small Russian republic of about 2.6 million people in the Caucacus Mountains on the border with Chechnya. They’re ethnic Avars, Dargins and Lezgins, who are all traditionally Muslim and they make up almost 75 percent of Dagestan’s population. In total, 91 percent of the population is Muslim, with the remaining 9 percent being Christian, mostly Russian Orthodox.

And because of Dagestan’s location, its population is trapped in a long-standing feud between Russia and the Chechen separatists fighting next door. The political realities of the conflict often bleed into Dagestan, resulting in civilian deaths.

Further to that, the Russian government has from time to time cracked down on the Wahhabis, a sect of Sunni Islam with separatist tendencies. The Muslims in turn persecute Christians, because they see Christianity and Orthodoxy in particular, as a Russian religion. Many converts to Christianity have to practice their faith in small, discreet home groups.

Mob Wrecks Home of a Vietnamese Evangelist

Nguyen Minh Triet, Vietnamese Prsident

The life of a Vietnamese Evangelist, Mang Vuong, is in dare danger as mob attacked and ransacked his home and house church twice in six weeks.


This is contained in a report by Release International (RI) http://www.releaseinternational.org/  adding that the Evangelist an ethnic minority Hroi Christian had nearly finished building his home, which doubled as a church, in Xi Thoai village, Phu Yen province, when the mob first attacked.

It said that the youth, angered by Vuong's decision to hold worship meetings in his home, smashed walls and wrecked the interior on July 18 adding that previously, on June 10, they had broken into the house, stolen nearly £2,000 and destroyed much of its contents.

“The violence had been encouraged by local officials who allegedly called the youth to a meeting and 'plied them with alcohol' the night before the first attack. The same gang has continued to threaten and harass Vuong ever since,” it stated.

The report observed that Vuong is part of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South), a government-registered church and that he had decided to build a home that would also serve as a church – common practice for Vietnamese evangelists – because the closest Hroi church four miles away was full.

It sated: “Provincial leaders in Vuong's church say they tried in vain to persuade local and regional officials to take action to protect Vuong and now intend to raise the issue with the national Government.”

“We are pleased to report that Ali Golchin, a Christian from Varamin, Iran, who was detained in April, has been released on bail. Ask God to heal Ali, who has reportedly suffered harsh interrogation and solitary confinement. No formal charges have been brought against Ali; pray this remains the case.”

RI through its international network of missions serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries around the world by supporting pastors and Christian prisoners, and their families; supplying Christian literature and Bibles; and working for justice.

For more information on Release International, log on to their website: http://www.releaseinternational.org/

Christians in Bhutan Jittery Over Anti-Conversion Law

Jigmi Y. Thinley the Bhutan Prime Minister

The Christian minorities in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan, a Buddhist populated country located in the Southeast Asia are worried over the proposal by the government to introduce the anti-conversion law.


This indication is contained in a prayer report released by the Prayer Communications team of Open Doors, an organization serving persecuted Christians worldwide, adding that the amendment bill would punish proselytizing that 'uses coercion or other forms of inducement'.

It noted that Christians are afraid that the bill is so vaguely worded that fundamentalists could use it to jail them for living out the basic Christian principles of worship and caring for the needs of others.

"There was always a virtual anti-conversion law in place, but now it is on paper too. Seemingly it is aimed at controlling the growth of Christianity. Sources expect the legislation may be passed during the next session of Parliament, after the National Assembly deliberates on it in the winter session. If convicted, Christians would receive a one-to-three-year prison sentence,” the report said.

It noted that Bhutan with a population of 683,000 people has over 75 per cent of them as Buddhist, while there are only around 6,000 Christians, representing about 2% ofthe population adding that the church is growing gradually through word-of-mouth and the testimonies of those who have received healing from sickness.

The report stated: “Public preaching is tacitly if not legally forbidden. The country does not have a church building or a registered Christian institution. The Bible, however, has been translated into the national language, Dzongkha, as well as into Nepali.”

It observed that two years ago Bhutan held its first ever democratic elections, following more than 100 years of absolute monarchy, and that religious freedom is slowly increasing - although some see the latest development as an attempt by the government to halt that trend.

“Please pray that the proposed anti-conversion legislation would not pass through Parliament and that it would not be used against Christians to stop them practicing their faith. Pray also that God will pour out His Spirit across the country and put an end to the spiritual oppression that many Bhutanese are under,” the report urged.

In over 50 countries, Open Doors is supplying Bibles, training church leaders, delivering Scripture-based literacy programs and supporting Christians who suffer for their faith. In the United Kingdom and Ireland for instance Open Doors strives to raise awareness of global persecution, mobilizing prayer, support and action among Christians.

For more information on Open Doors, log on to their website: http://www.opendoorsuk.org/

Pakistan Killings: Christian Aid Mission Rehabilitates Survivors

A Pakistani Christian affirming his faith in Jesus Christ.
Pix courtesy - Washington Post

Christian Aid Mission (CAM) in an effort to provide succor to the widows and orphans of the recent Pakistan killings - Pastor Rashid Emmanuel and his brother, Sajid Emmanuel, has established an emergency fund for that purpose.


The two Christians, who’re of the same parents, were murdered by masked Islamists during a court appearance in Faisalabad, Pakistan on Monday as the police were about transporting them from the court to jail.

They were heading a non-profit organization called the United Ministries Pakistan at the Warispura Christian community of Faisalabad

This is contained in a release posted on their website: http://www.christianaid.org/  stating that: “Those wishing to help the widows, orphans and other survivors of anti-Christian violence in Pakistan may give online or send contributions to Christian Aid Mission, Box 9037, Charlottesville, VA 22906. Gifts should be designated to fund code 095PERS.”

According to the release, the local GVM Television and other news reports said that after the murders, thousands of Muslims went on a rampage in the nearby Christian communities of Warispura and Daunagar. “Automatic weapons were fire and rioting continued on Tuesday, as police did nothing to stop the looting of Christians’ shops and homes.”

It said that Christian leaders in Pakistan have asked Christian Aid to call upon Christians in America and around the world to pray for them adding that the Pakistani Christian Post had reported that the local government and police were doing nothing to stop the rioters, but sometimes were joining the rioters by beating the believers and shooting tear gas rounds into Christian homes.

“Local believers insist that the two murdered Christian brothers were falsely accused of posting blasphemous posters at a local train station by the single witness of Khurram Shahzad, a Muslim man.”

CAM observed that it’s ironical that the murders took place while the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was in Pakistan as part of her South Asian mission to government leaders in Islamabad and Kabul.

It sated: “No further casualty reports have been made available. Local news reports described the killers of Pastor Rashid Emmanuel and his brother Sajjid as Muslim extremists.”

The release stated that almost daily threats of violence and physical attacks have occurred against Christian Pakistanis over the last two weeks and that the wife and children of one pastor were killed by mob violence before the Faisalabad murders.

“In August last year, seven Christian women and children were burned to death when Muslim mobs set fire to a church and the homes of 60 Christian believers in nearby Gojra.”

The CAM’s Field Director for South Asia was quoted as saying: "We will continue to send help to persecuted believers in Pakistan, just as we have done for many years. Contributions are needed to help make these ministries possible."

It needs to be noted that Christian Aid Mission as a mission agency seeks to establish a witness for our Lord Jesus among unreached people groups by assisting highly effective native missionaries who already know the languages and culture and are getting the job done for less cost.

And to learn more about CAM, log on to their website: http://www.christianaid.org/

Let's pray for the persecuted Christians!

It's really disheartning to note what our Christian brethren pass through on a daily basis in most of the Moslem countries. It calls for unceasing prayers!


The case of Brother Jamaa Ait Bakrim, a Moroccan Christian who has been imprisoned for his faith since 2005, readilly comes to mind. He did practically nothing to deserve such inhuman treatment from his Moraccan countrymen. His "sin" - just because he stood strongly for His Master - Jesus Christ!

Please lets take out time to pray for this Brohther Jamaa and by extension all persecuted Christians all over the world. Let's cry to God on his/their behalf and believe HIM for a divine intervention. You may learn more about his case and many other Christian persecution cases by clicking this link: http://www.allvoices.com/users/success4u

May God continue to bless you as you dedicate yourself to prayer for these Christian brethren - the persecuted Christians.

And if the good Lord's leading you to be of support to our mission work here in the Philippines, southeast Asia, may be as a monthly or one-time supporter, please click this link also and follow all the instructions: http://kmointer.webs.com/giveyourdonation.htm  

Thanks so much for your life and your dedication to His service. Till He comes back, remain on top now and always!

Kanayo and Ngozi Uchime
Website: http://www.kmointer.webs.com/

How Morocco Unlawfully Jailed a Christian for 15 Years

Jamaa Ait Bakrim
imprisoned because of his faith

It’s regrettable the kind of injustice Christians in Morocco are going through on a daily basis in the hands of the security officials as the government has continued to violate international agreements they agreed to. This fact is further supported in the case of Jamaa Ait Bakrim, a Moroccan Christian who has been imprisoned for his faith since 2005.


In a statement by the Advocacy Officer, International Christian Concern (ICC), Logan Maurer, he said that fresh details emerged recently on how the bulk of Jamaa’s 15-year sentence came from the mere accusation of “destruction of the goods of others.”

He stated: “The sentence Jamaa is serving is in blatant contradiction to international law agreed to by Morocco. This is the first time Jamaa Ait Bakrim’s case has been able to get out to the west and I am hopeful it signals the beginning of an effort that will bring freedom for Jamaa. He has already served five years for ‘destroying’ two unused electric poles; it is time Morocco be held accountable for the façade they have used to unjustly imprison a man for his faith.”

He noted that on June 17, ICC issued a press release covering the basic information: Jamaa (prisoner number 26574) was imprisoned in 2005 for his faith and is currently in Prison Centrale, located in Kenitra, Morocco.

“In actuality Jamaa burned two unused wooden posts that were blocking access to his house. He requested permission from local authorities and heard nothing until his arrest,” Maurer also said.

He noted that Jamaa’s case has recently come to the attention of the US Congress stressing that in a June 17 Congressional hearing on “Human Rights and Religious Freedom in Morocco,” Jamaa was referenced by Congressman Frank Wolf (VA-10) and Senator James Inhofe (OK-R) as an example of the ongoing persecution of Christians in Morocco.

According to him, Morocco is bound to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which it ratified on March 27, 1979. And Article 18 of the ICCPR states that everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to change their religion. This freedom includes the right to manifest the individual’s belief in public or private.

A professor who had known Jamaa since childhood stated: “Fifteen years for two abandoned posts, it is scandalous. Jamaa presented a serious problem for the authorities. He displayed his convictions in broad daylight and it is for this reason he underwent a crackdown.”

He continued: “Jamaa is a Christian who is convinced of what he believes; he is far from being mad. The business of two burnt posts gave the authorities an excuse to rid their city of a man they hated.”

It needs to be observed that Jamaa, after receiving a bachelor degree in Political Science from Rabat, he moved to Europe where he converted to Christianity. In 1993 he applied for political asylum in the Netherlands but was refused and was expelled back to Morocco when his visa expired.

Jamaa returned to his Moroccan village and his family thought his conversion was a religious crisis and would soon pass. In 1994 he spent seven months in jail for “proselytizing,” (case no. 919/95) and then forced internment at the mental hospital of Inezgane although he had no mental instability. Two years later he was again prosecuted for putting up a Christian cross in public and spent a year in jail.

When he was released Jamaa was rejected by his family and forced to move away from his home village to the city of Massa. He refused to bow to pressure to convert, and instead, put representations of the cross and verses from the Bible on his business storefront. When Jamaa burned two defunct wooden posts that had been unused for three years, it gave the authorities the excuse they needed.

Although he contacted local authorities to obtain permission, he was charged with “destruction of the goods of others” and “proselytizing.” Sentencing was delivered at the court of Agadir on December 28, 2005, condemning him to 15 years imprisonment.

For more information on this case and other persecution stories, log on to the website of ICC: http://www.persecution.org/  OR www.persecution.org/prisonerfocus