Hui in China

Hui in China

Numbering over 10 million, the Hui are the largest and most widespread of China's Muslim nationalities, and are widely scattered throughout the country. Their ancestors are largely Arabs, Persians, and Mongols. One of the worst cases of genocide in history occurred between 1855 and 1873 when one million Hui people were massacred. They may be the largest people group in the world without a single known Christian fellowship group, although there are a few scattered believers.
Ministry Obstacles
The Hui have a long history of strong commitment to Islam. In recent years an increasing number of Hui have traveled to Mecca for the annual Haj pilgrimage.
Outreach Ideas
Perhaps the many Han Chinese believers in Jesus will desire to reach out to the Hui people. Pray to this end.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray the few Hui followers of Jesus will desire to find each other in order to fellowship. Pray the Spirit of Christ will protect their faith and send teachers and other helpers.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the needy Hui people to increasingly be aware of their need for forgiveness of sin, and that Isa (Jesus) has been provided as a sin offering. Pray they will hunger to find out more about this Man, and that this hunger will be satisfied.
Scripture Focus
"You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation." Revelation 5:9

		People Name: Hui Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 13,446,000 World Population: 13,687,000 Language: Chinese, Mandarin Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Complete Audio NT (FCBH): Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level:

Ersu in China

Ersu in China

The Ersu believe they will be reincarnated when they die and will come back to the earth as a person in a higher social position if they have lived a virtuous life. They will come back as an animal if they lived a wicked life. This belief results in the Ersu having little motivation to help the afflicted among them, as suffering is considered the consequence of a person's bad karma. The Ersu are officially part of the Tibetan nationality.
Ministry Obstacles
The Ersu may fear disturbing community harmony if they become followers of Christ.
Outreach Ideas
Christian workers need to build good relationships with the Ersu community, earning the right to share the Good News about Christ.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There may be no followers of Christ among the Ersu at present, but pray for those that will soon emerge. Pray they will be zealous to know and serve the Lord, and will be properly instructed in the faith.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Ersu community will increasingly become aware of their need for a savior, and that many will be given faith to believe in Jesus and his finished work on the cross.
Scripture Focus
"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples." Psalm 96:3

		People Name: Ersu Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 43,000 World Population: 43,000 Language: Ersu Primary Religion: Buddhism Bible: Questionable Need Audio NT (FCBH): No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level:

Kulango, Bouna in Côte d'Ivoire

Kulango, Bouna in Côte d'Ivoire

The Kulango live in a very hot region with only one annual rainy season. They sometimes suffer from dry spells, which makes farming quite difficult. While most of the Kulango continue living as farmers, many of the young people have migrated southward in search of work in the cities. Throughout the centuries, Dyula Muslim traders have come into the Kulango region with the intention of converting the locals to Islam. However, the Kulango have resisted. The majority continue to practice their traditional ethnic religions. The male head of each extended family is responsible for offering sacrifices to the ancestral spirits.
Ministry Obstacles
There are few Christian resources available in the language of the Kulango people. Pray for the soon development of such resources, and for workers to take them to the people.
Outreach Ideas
Pray that Christians from nearby Ghana will develop a desire to take the Gospel message across the border to the Kulango.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray the small number of Christian believers among the Kulango will experience unity and fellowship around the truth of scripture. Pray for an accurate understanding of how to please God in every way.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray for adequate rainfall to allow farm crops to flourish, and for employment opportunities for the younger people.
Scripture Focus
"The people who walk in darkness, will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them." Isaiah 9:2

		People Name: Kulango, Bouna Country: Côte d'Ivoire 10/40 Window: No Population: 241,000 World Population: 272,000 Language: Kulango, Bouna Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: None Audio NT (FCBH): No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level:

Hamas Calls for ‘Day of Rage’ Over Temple Mount Situation

Hamas Calls for ‘Day of Rage’ Over Temple Mount Situation

Analyst weighs in on risks and highlights

By Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (ANS – July 30, 2017) -- The Islamist terror militia Hamas declared itself scandalized Wednesday (July 26) following a decision by the EU Court of Justice to keep it on a terrorist blacklist, calling for a “day of rage” to occur Friday, July 28 to protest against the “injustice” of the decision.

A Hamas statement also pointed out the installation of cameras on the Temple Mount by Israeli security forces as an example of the gratuitous “oppression.”

Hamas said Palestinians “needed to rise up and demonstrate their unwillingness to be subjected to,” according to a news article from the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, written and compiled by Aaron Hecht (https://int.icej.org).

The statement by a senior Hamas official also appeared to take credit for an Israeli decision to remove the metal detectors which had previously been installed at the entrances to the Temple Mount, saying “The steadfastness of the residents of Jerusalem surprised the occupation with their determination and sacrifice.”

He added a demand for the Arab and Moslem governments of the world to “use all diplomatic tools against Israel to dissuade them from continuing to harass al-Aksa Mosque.”

PLO spokesman Osama Qawasmeh announced this week that a meeting of the leadership of Palestinian organizations had resulted in a unanimous vote to not pray inside the Al-Aksa Mosque “until the situation will return to how it was before July 14, and Israel will remove all obstacles and reopen all of the [Temple Mount’s] gates without any conditions or restrictions.”

He added that the PA had exhorted Moslems to “stand by the Jerusalemites in the coming days and pray in the street and not in the mosques.”

PLO Executive Committee member Wassal Abu Yusef told Ma’an News Agency: “The leadership stressed the continuation of regular activity, support for Jerusalemites in all possible ways and even the escalation of popular resistance in the aim of restoring the situation in east Jerusalem to pre-July 14 conditions, by the removal of all obstacles set by Israel.”

In a video, posted to the ICEJ website, Ambassador Dore Gold, an Israeli diplomat who has served in various positions under several Israeli governments, offers his analysis of the Temple Mount Situation here https://youtu.be/oMcdpSEcAik .

Ambassador Gold is the current President of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and was an advisor to the former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his first term in office. In May 2015, Netanyahu named him Director-General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Gold said that it’s extremely important to remember where the current crisis about metal detectors on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem came from.

“As you recall, it all started when guns were smuggled onto the temple Mount and actually used against two Israeli officers -- Sathawi and Shnan -- both of whom were killed as a result of these illegal firearms that were brought into a holy site.  This should not have come as a surprise.”

Gold said that we have been witnessing, over the last two decades, that holy sites across the Middle East have lost their traditional immunity.

“There has been a tangible escalation of attacks on holy sites across the Middle East and South Asia. Everyone remembers at the time of 9/11 an attack by the Taliban against 2,000-year-old Buddhist statues in the Bamyan Valley of Afghanistan that were dynamited.

“Closer to home, we also recall that there were attacks in areas controlled by the Palestinians such as Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus and perhaps, more notably, the attack by a joint Hamas-Fatah cell against the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where clergy were taken hostage and many religious icons were stolen.”

Gold said that what hasn’t been sufficiently noted is that in this period of increasing attacks on holy sites mosques have also become a fair target for Islamic extremists. Even this past year Saudi Arabia foiled a Suicide attack on the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site for Muslims around the world.

“A year ago there was another attack on The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina where four Saudi Arabian security officials were killed. And everyone’s been talking about Mosul lately because of the victory over ISIS (Islamic State). But recall that this year the 800-year-old Nuri Mosque was attacked by that organization and destroyed. 

“So not only have churches been attacked, not only have religious sites of the Jews been attacked and Buddhists, but even Mosques have been attacked -- whether they are Sunni or Shiite.”

Gold went on to say that given this wave of attacks, all governments around the Middle East feel the necessity to put in place security measures that will prevent Jihadi organizations from carrying out their plans.

“Take Saudi Arabia -- the caretaker of the grand Mosque in Mecca -- where it has put in place a system of 5,000 security cameras and an elaborate command center where the entire mosque area can be monitored.  The use of electronic systems to counter the efforts to attack holy sites is well established.  And Israel of course had to find a method that would be relevant for deterring and preventing attacks against the holy sites in Jerusalem, and in particular the Temple Mount.”

Gold stated that it’s clear that the problem on the Temple Mount over the last two weeks had nothing to do with metal detectors.

“Anything Israel would try to put in place would produce a very strong reaction for reasons that have nothing to do with electronics and preventing terror. What has been motivating many young Palestinians, who are outside of the temple Mount area protesting, has been a complete falsehood spread by certain organizations in the Middle East to the effect that it’s Israel’s intention to destroy the Al-Aqsaa Mosque. This myth was originally begun by the infamous Mufti of Jerusalem Mohammad Amin al-Husayni  back in 1929.”

He said it has stayed with Muslim extremists since that time and every 4 or 5 years returns in greater force.

“Now, who has been behind spreading this falsehood?  You actually have to go to (an) Israeli Arab town…where you’ll find an individual…who has been convening over the last decade large rallies with huge posters asserting that Al-Aqsa is in danger,” Gold said.

Beyond Israel, Gold said, “there’s Yusuf al-Qaradawi the spiritual head of the Muslim Brotherhood, who sits in Qatar no less, who has been asserting that the Al-Aqsa Mosque is in greater danger than ever before. Young people hear these stories and are convinced that if they don’t take active measures, then their cherished mosque is at risk.”

He said the main theme of the incitement over the last two weeks is that the metal detectors were introduced to the Temple Mount in order to desecrate a religious holy site.

“The exact opposite is true. The metal detectors were put in place to protect a holy site. A holy site for Jews, for Muslims, and for Christians,” Gold said.

“So even if you solve other problems of what kind of sensors you want to put in place to prevent terrorists from coming up on the Temple Mount, even if you remove the metal detectors, you’re going to be left with the incitement that is the principal cause of the violence to begin with.”

Gold concluded: “This is why, when the issue of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is discussed at the UN in Washington, London, or Paris, if the issue of religious incitement is not explicitly addressed, then the seeds will still be left in place for the next round of violence ahead.”

Tensions on the Temple Mount seemed to have calmed over the weekend, and Israel has removed the security procedures it put in place after the two policemen were killed on July 14. Authorities are now giving access only to men over 50.

Photo captions: 1) The Temple Mount in Jerusalem. 2) Ambassador Dore Gold. 3) Michael Ireland.

About the Writer: Michael Ireland is a volunteer internet journalist serving as Chief Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, as well as an Ordained Minister, and an award-winning local cable-TV program host/producer who has served with ASSIST Ministries and written for ANS since its beginning in 1989. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia. You may follow Michael on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Michael-Ireland-Media-Missionary-234951783610/ and on Twitter at @Michael_ASSIST.  Please consider helping Michael cover his expenses in bringing news of the Persecuted Church, by logging-on to: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/ireland-michael

** You may republish this or any of or ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net). Please also tell your friends and colleagues that they can get a complimentary subscription to ANS by going to the website and signing up there.

Chrame in China

Chrame in China

The Chrame are a member of the Tibetan nationality, but feel they have little in common with the Tibetans. All Chrame adhere to Tibetan Buddhism. It forms a major part of their ethnic and cultural identity. The Chrame inwardly long for the restoration of their kingdom and their former prestige among the other peoples of the area. The Chrame are one of the most unreached people groups in China. There has never been a single known Chrame church or Christian believer.
Ministry Obstacles
No Christian presence or history among the Chrame provides little point of reference for Christian witness.
Outreach Ideas
Christians need to establish relationships with this people group, building bridges of friendship.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Even though there are no followers of Jesus presently among the Chrame, pray for those that will one day soon come forth. Pray they will have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Chrame will increasingly feel their need for forgiveness of sin, and will seek a Savior.
Scripture Focus
"And those who lead many to righteousness [will shine] like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3

		People Name: Chrame Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 49,000 World Population: 49,000 Language: Pumi, Northern Primary Religion: Buddhism Bible: None Audio NT (FCBH): No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level:

Amdo, Rongba in China

Amdo, Rongba in China

There are two main branches of Tibetan peoples in Tibet, the Amdo and the Kham, with many subgroups. Today, Tibetan society has two basic levels: the family and the social classes (commoners, clergy, and nobility). Polyandry (a woman who has several husbands) is socially accepted and very common. The only exception is among the Amdo, who are usually monogamous. The ability to endure harsh conditions has made the Tibetans one of the most rugged peoples in the world.
Ministry Obstacles
Tibet is a difficult area to enter. Conditions are harsh, and access is limited.
Outreach Ideas
Much sustained and focused prayer is needed for the Tibetans. Pray the Lord will give these people hungry hearts to seek him.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There are only a few followers of Christ among the Amdo Buddhists, and they need our prayers. Pray their faith will be protected and nourished, and that they will become mature in the faith. Pray the Lord will help them to be faithful witnesses for himself.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the hardy Amdo to live in peace with the Chinese authorities, and to be able to properly care for their families.
Scripture Focus
"Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the peoples with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth." Psalm 67:4

		People Name: Amdo, Rongba Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 158,000 World Population: 158,000 Language: Tibetan, Amdo Primary Religion: Buddhism Bible: None Audio NT (FCBH): No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level:

You May Be Their Only Advocate

Chances are, you’re a believer today because someone fought for your faith. Maybe you can picture a specific face — the person who spent long nights praying for you. They cared enough to advocate for your relationship with God when you were still a long way off. But what if things were different? What if you hadn't known anyone who would fight for your faith? For millions of people around the world, this is reality. They are far from God, and they don't know a single person who can help them close the distance. They may not even know one believer. It doesn’t have to be that way. Would you become their advocate?

When you give, you mobilize a passionate force of believers who will go to great lengths to reach the lost. Your gift sends missionaries directly to people’s homes with a personal message of Good News. Do you remember that initial shock of joy when you first met God, and you realized your life would never be the same? Today, you can pave the way for people around the world to experience that same joy. Would you become an advocate for the lost to know Jesus?

Advocate for the Lost

Lami in China

Lami in China

In the distant past the Lami were a part of a large group of Tibeto-Burman peoples, including today's Akha, Hani, and Yi. Research indicates the formation of today's distinct Hani groups started in the thirteenth century, probably as a result of Genghis Khan's conquest of Yunnan. The Lami keep strictly to the customs handed down from their ancestors.
Ministry Obstacles
The Lami commitment to the ways of their ancestors is an obstacle to faith in Christ.
Outreach Ideas
Pray that Han Chinese believers will be given the desire to carry the Gospel message to the Lami community.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the followers of Christ among the Lami, that they will be filled with knowledge and grace from the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray they will live a life worthy of their calling in Christ.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Lami community to be able to turn from the customs of their ancestors to follow the living Christ.
Scripture Focus
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" Isaiah 52:7

		People Name: Lami Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 130,000 World Population: 130,000 Language: Lalo, Dongshanba Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: None Audio NT (FCBH): No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level:

Iranian Muslim Convert Maryam released from prison

Breaking News: Iranian Muslim Convert Maryam released from prison

By Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)

TEHRAN, IRAN (ANS – Aug. 2, 2017) -- Maryam Naghash Zargaran (also known as “Nasim”) was released from the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran, yesterday (Aug. 1).

She had been incarcerated in Evin Prison in Tehran for over four years on charges related to her Christian faith and ministry.

“We thank you for your faithful prayers for Maryam over many years. She has remained faithful to the Lord. I would like to encourage ongoing prayer for her physical and emotional restoration after this time of intense trial and suffering, as well as for wisdom as she looks to the future,” said David Yeghnazar, Executive Director of Elam Ministries (www.elam.com), whose mission is to strengthen and expand the church in the Iran region and beyond.

Maryam, a convert from Islam, was originally arrested in January 2013 in connection with her work at an orphanage, alongside recently released Saeed Abedini. She was charged with “acting against national security” and was sentenced to four years' imprisonment, which she started serving on July 15, 2013 in the women’s ward of Evin Prison. A request for a re-trial was refused.

She completed her sentence at Tehran's Evin Prison and has a history of heart problems, according to Open Doors www.opendoorsuk.org.

In October 2015, she was allowed to receive a few days' treatment outside the prison, but forced to return before it was completed. Maryam had recently reported pain in her ears and head.

Family and friends asked for urgent prayer for Maryam, after she went on hunger strike on May 27, 2016. Sources close to her family said that her condition was serious and that Maryam was close to becoming comatose.

Maryam, who suffers from long-standing health issues, went on hunger strike to protest against the lack of adequate medical treatment. She refused to take solids, liquids and did not allow prison medical staff to give her serum.

In May, 2016, Middle East Concern (MEC) reported that she was briefly taken to hospital, after which, on her return to prison, she did start to drink water. MEC also said that a number of her fellow prisoners decided to forgo family visits on May 29 to show support.

Maryam, a believer from a Muslim background, had at that time been held for nearly three years in Evin Prison in Tehran and had been suffering from a variety of ailments, most recently nausea, severe headaches and pain in her ears. Previously the prosecutor's office had refused to grant permission for Maryam to be treated outside the prison, even though the medical authorities in the prison recognized the severity of her condition and advised that she needed hospital care.

On May 26, 2016, Maryam started a hunger strike as a protest against the lack of medical care for her. On May 30, 2016, Maryam was taken briefly to hospital, but was returned to prison the same day without receiving the necessary treatment.

According to sources close to the family, Maryam's physical condition was becoming increasingly serious and she was close to becoming comatose. The anxieties suffered by Maryam's family and friends were compounded by the refusal of prison authorities to provide information on Maryam and her condition.

Middle East Concern reported that permission was granted for Maryam to leave prison on medical furlough on June 5, 2016, but due to problems in bureaucratic procedure her release on bond was delayed until June 6, 2016.

However, following the hunger strike, Maryam was granted permission to leave prison on June 6, 2016 to receive treatment on deposit of a bond of 350 million toman (£GBP75,000 or $USD99,000).

On June 19, 2016, the court ordered Maryam to return to prison, Middle East Concern reported. As Maryam was still not well enough, her family applied for an extension. However, the prosecutor's office refused to extend her leave and threatened to retain the money submitted as a bond. On June 27, 2016, Maryam was escorted back to Evin Prison by members of her family.

On August 4, 2016, friends and family were relieved and pleased to report that Maryam had ended her recent hunger strike.

Maryam, who was granted medical furlough for a range of health issues in June 2016, returned to Evin Prison, Tehran on June 27 to continue serving a four-year prison sentence.

Middle East Concern reported that Maryam, who had previously gone on hunger strike when her request for medical leave had been denied, started another hunger strike on July 5, 2016. That latest hunger strike was initially in support of fellow prisoner and prominent human rights activist Narges Mohammadi (according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency), but later with the demand for her own 'immediate and unconditional release' in view of the inadequate treatment of her health issues.

Prison officials examined Maryam on July 20, 2016 and provided a medical report confirming the seriousness of her condition, but her demand for release was denied by an Iranian court at the request of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS).

It was reported that Maryam's health deteriorated considerably during the hunger strike, her blood pressure dropped, she had pains and numbness in her feet -- possibly early signs of Multiple Sclerosis -- and she suffered psychological issues as a consequence of her imprisonment.

Photo captions: 1) Maryam 2) Inside the women's ward of Evin Prison in Tehran. 3) Michael Ireland.

About the Writer: Michael Ireland is a volunteer internet journalist serving as Chief Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, as well as an Ordained Minister, and an award-winning local cable-TV program host/producer who has served with ASSIST Ministries and written for ANS since its beginning in 1989. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia. You may follow Michael on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Michael-Ireland-Media-Missionary-234951783610/ and on Twitter at @Michael_ASSIST. Please consider helping Michael cover his expenses in bringing news of the Persecuted Church, by logging-on to: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/ireland-michael

** You may republish this or any of or ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net). Please also tell your friends and colleagues that they can get a complimentary subscription to ANS by going to the website and signing up there.

Arab, Dhofari in Oman

Arab, Dhofari in Oman

These Arabs speak their own variety of Arabic, residing in Salala and nearby coastal regions of Oman. Even though Oman is a modern country, western influences are quite restricted. A very important part of Omani culture is hospitality. If invited into an Omani house, a visitor is likely to be greeted with a bowl of dates, qahwa (coffee with cardamom) and fruit. Omanis practice a unique brand of Islam, Ibadhism.
Ministry Obstacles
Oman is not congenial to overt Christian witness.
Outreach Ideas
The Gospel of Christ presented via radio and television can be very effective, as can evangelistic websites. Pray the Dhofari Arabs will be drawn to these sources.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the few followers of Jesus among the Dhofari Arabs, that they will be zealous to follow Jesus, and will live holy lives. Pray they will have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Dhofari Arabs to be drawn to Isa (Jesus) as he is referred to in the Koran, to desire to learn more about this man. Pray the Spirit of Jesus will open their minds to see Jesus as the Son of God, deity.
Scripture Focus
"Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised." 1 Chronicles 16:24-25

		People Name: Arab, Dhofari Country: Oman 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 113,000 World Population: 113,000 Language: Arabic, Dhofari Spoken Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Questionable Need Audio NT (FCBH): No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level:

Syrian Refugees' Tent Camp Is Destroyed

Syrian Refugees' Tent Camp Is Destroyed

August 3, 2017

Their tent camp destroyed, Syrian refugees in Turkey sleep on a vacant lot.

A mother of small children who recently lost her breasts to cancer was one of more than 3,500 Syrian refugees who received notice on July 17 that they had one month to vacate a tent camp in southern Turkey.
The next day, the government flattened the ramshackle camp.
"Give me five minutes to get my stuff out," the mother pleaded with Turkish authorities who were flanked by hundreds of police officers and military personnel. Not knowing Arabic, they could understand only the cry in her voice, but all they said was, "No."
She wept as they herded her and the rest of the refugees out of the camp, loaded their few but critical belongings onto trucks, and destroyed 600 tents.
Another refugee could not contain his anger. "We ran away from ISIS in Syria, and now you are trying to kill us," he told a policeman.

"They came suddenly with the police and military and other government authorities, and they took everything out, right down to the ground," the ministry director said.

The director of an indigenous ministry providing aid to the refugees said the razing of the tent camp did not appear in any news media.
"Many people were very angry about how the government acted when they destroyed the tents and did not allow the refugees to take their things out first," he said. "They came suddenly with the police and military and other government authorities with trucks and a loader, and they took everything out, right down to the ground."

Ministry Shift

Authorities said they destroyed the camp at the behest of the property owner, who had complained that he could not plant anything on his land. Last year officials told the refugees they needed to go to official refugee camps – notorious for drugs, violence and other abuses – or else move into apartments. The refugees could not afford apartments, and they knew corrupt thugs were unofficially running the official camps.
Along with the heavy equipment to clear the tent site, authorities brought 10 large buses to take the refugees to an official camp, but only 10 people boarded. The rest filtered into the city, which is undisclosed for security reasons, to seek shelter in abandoned buildings or cram into other refugees' apartments; typically, two to four families live in one room.
Some 120 families remain on the streets, sleeping on or near sidewalks.
"The refugees on the street have told me that their situation is very, very bad at the moment, especially for widows and orphans," the director said. "It's especially bad for the elderly, who have no one to take care of them, and they cannot work and have no money to pay for anything."

"We thank God that we have been able to reach around 6,000 refugees with His Word, and we know that with His help we can reach even more," he said.

The refugees need a place to stay where they and their children can feel safe. As an indigenous missionary knowledgeable of the refugees and the area where they have dispersed, the director knows where all the families have sought refuge.
"I am still ministering to them," he said. "I am now dealing with people who live on the streets and people who are living in two rooms with eight families. Everybody knows us. We have to do something for the 120 families who are living in the streets. They need our help immediately, especially for a place to live."
Though some landlords take advantage of refugees and increase rents, about 490 families from the razed camp have taken refuge in crowded apartment buildings. Many apartment owners refuse to rent to single people, leaving them with no options.
"I have been receiving a lot of phone calls waiting for help from us, and we have to get it quickly, as soon as possible," the director said.

Gospel Light

Twelve of the 120 families living on the streets are particularly vulnerable, as they are former Muslims who have come to Christ since the ministry began visiting them. As they gaze at their exhausted children asleep in the open air at night, they can only trust that the Lord who led them thus far will carry them through the latest crisis.
In its outreach to these and other tent camps, the indigenous ministry has led more than 100 refugees to put their trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
"And we are thankful that 150 more are now seeking to know more about Him," the director said. "We are amazed, and we believe that even more people can be reached. We thank God that we have been able to reach around 6,000 refugees during the last two and a half years with His Word, and we know that with His help we can reach even more."

The remains of a makeshift tent camp that once gave more than 3,500 refugees rudimentary shelter.

While Christian refugees on the street had to keep their faith secret in the camp due to the presence of radical Islamists, at least now they are not in such close quarters with the extremists. As Syria's civil war drags on, however, they and the other unhoused refugees are overcoming monumental challenges to get through each day.
The ministry envisions building apartment buildings for the refugees, but meantime it is searching for land outside the city to set up tents.
"We need to pray for them to find a place, to get mattresses for them and blankets, to meet their simple needs," the director said. "We are meeting the basic needs for some of the refugees at this point, and we use this opportunity to share the word of God with many people."
The ministry continues providing food, baby food and formula, diapers and clean water, but now also it needs mattresses, blankets and help for the refugees to pay rent. Please consider helping people who have lost everything to keep themselves and their children alive.

Lean on Me

Lean on Me  

Syrian boys lean on each other to get through their days as children whose families have fled the atrocities of civil war to Turkey. They escaped the horrors of the Islamic State’s cruelties and have benefited from supplies of food, clean water and medicines that an indigenous ministry in Turkey provides. “We were able to send supplies that were urgently needed for the refugees along the border of Turkey – diapers for the babies and basic food items,” the ministry director said. “A number of them, after receiving their goods, were surprised that the goods came through people in churches.” Refugees are putting their faith in Christ every month, including a former Muslim who is now sharing the gospel with his relatives and friends. “I thank you on their behalf as you’ve been helpful in writing New Testament truth on their hearts,” the director said.

Sudhan in Pakistan

Sudhan in Pakistan

The city of Rawalakot, the capital of the Sudhan tribe, suffered significant damage from the 2005 Kashmir earthquake. Sudhuns are a tightly knit community, and female education is highly valued. Wahabi influence has recently been noted among the Sudhans.
Ministry Obstacles
Pakistan is generally hostile to Christian witness, made worse by Wahabi influence.
Outreach Ideas
Focused, sustained prayer is needed to prepare the hearts of the Sudhan community to receive the Gospel of Christ when it comes. Spiritual matters are spiritually understood.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There likely are no followers of Christ among the Sudhan community. But please pray for those that the Lord will soon call to himself, that they will clearly understand the grace and truth offered through faith in Christ, resting fully on his finished work on the cross, and the power of His life within them.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the proud Sudhan community to clearly see their need for a Savior, and recognize Jesus as the provision God has provided.
Scripture Focus
"All nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name." Psalm 86:9

		People Name: Sudhan Country: Pakistan 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 195,000 World Population: 216,000 Language: Hindko, Northern Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Audio NT (FCBH): No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: