Shughni, Shugnan-Rushan of Tajikistan
The ethnic identity of the Shughnis is based upon
religion. Since the eleventh century, they have belonged to the Ismaili
sect of Islam. This religious group follows the Aga Khan and is also
known as the "Seveners." They believe that important cosmic and
historical events occur in series of seven. Their doctrine is very
secretive and private, understood by the "select few." Ismailis have no
mosques or official clerics, but private houses of prayer and itinerant
clergy are numerous. In order to communicate with the world around them,
the Shughni use the Tajik and Russian languages.Ministry Obstacles Spiritual opposition will be present when Jesus Christ is presented to a person. Pray against this, as the Gospel comes to the Shughni people. God is greater. Outreach Ideas Pray that Gospel radio will become widely available to the Shughni people in both Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Pray for excellent programming so they will listen and understand. Pray for the followers of Christ There probably is not a single follower of Christ among this people group. However, please pray for the many who will soon come to know and follow Him. Pray they will live holy lives and will represent Christ well to their neighbors. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Shugni people will be completely set free from influences which cloud their understanding of who Jesus is ("Isa", in the Koran). Pray the Holy Spirit will give them understanding, and give them faith to believe. Scripture Focus "This gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jumat, 27 Maret 2015
Shughni, Shugnan-Rushan of Tajikistan
Kamis, 26 Maret 2015
Lampung Way Kanan of Indonesia
Lampung Way Kanan of Indonesia
The Lampung Way Kanan is a small group with a strong
cultural structure that is distinct within the larger Lampung cluster.
Family ties among the Way Kanan are very strong and the Way Kanan clans
use a system of consensus for resolving issues amongst themselves. They
mostly live in remote areas because the main highways don't run through
their villages. The Lampung Way Kanan people hold strongly to Islam and
forbid conversion to other religions. As a result, there are no Way
Kanan people who profess any other religion. The principle of religious
homogeneity is very strong. Marriage with people from other faiths is
forbidden.Ministry Obstacles These people are strongly committed to Islam, and have been for generations. Outreach Ideas Compared to other Lampung groups, the Way Kanan are the farthest behind economically. Therefore, working together with the people to improve their local economy would be very meaningful to these people. Pray for the followers of Christ There are no known followers of Jesus among the Lampung Way Kanan people. However, please pray for those who will soon come to Christ. They will need teachers and pastors to help them, and they will need scripture in their languages. Pray for the entire people group Pray they will find ways to improve coffee and pepper production, which are main sources of income. Scripture Focus "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Headlines Behind Boko Haram
The Headlines Behind Boko Haram ‘hide persecution of Christians in mid-Nigeria’
By Michael Ireland, Senior Reporter, ASSIST News Service answritermike@gmail.com
NIGERIA (ANS -- March 24, 2015) -- More than 230 of the 275 girls, predominantly Christians, kidnapped by Boko Haram in northern Nigeria in April 2014 are still missing. “But the publicity surrounding this serves to hide a more widespread persecution of Christians in the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria,” writes Christina Thomas for www.worldwatchmonitor.org
Nigeria
lies on the Christian/Muslim fault-line across Africa; it passes
through the middle of the country, meaning there are inherent tensions
over land and identity in this area. A general election on March 28
might be to turn the tide of violence, much of it - though not all -
targeting Christians. It is, however, unlikely to help, Thomas says,
citing a new report.
Titled ‘Migration and Violent Conflict in Divided Societies: Non-Boko Haram Violence against Christians in the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria’ by Abdulbarkindo Adamu and Alupse Ben, Nigeria Conflict Security Analysis Network, commissioned by the World Watch Research Unit of Open Doors International, a charity which works to support persecuted Christians around the world, the report (https://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/research/3777637) examines the background to the violence in the Middle Belt Region. Drawing on field investigations between January and June 2014, including interviews with victims of violence and refugees, it reveals a more complex picture than simple migrant incursion, the usual interpretation.
Thomas writes: “The human race is by nature mobile. If the community needs to move, it will. A settled community will wish incomers to integrate and conform to their culture and tradition; the migrant community will want to keep its own identity. For millennia this has led to conflict in different parts of the world.”
Thomas explains that in Northern Nigeria, “it cannot be disputed that the droughts are worsening and the fertile Middle Belt Region offers attractive grazing grounds to beleaguered pastoralists from the north. The Hausa-Fulani herdsmen, predominantly Muslims, have gradually moved into the Middle Belt Region and there are a growing number of well documented instances of violence against indigenous, predominantly Christian farmers. These in-comers are burning farms, raping women and attacking houses and churches.”
Thomas
writes that the authors of the report argue that this is not an
advanced form of jostling over territory. Rather, they say, it is part
of a political strategy that is inspired by the Islamic doctrine of
‘darul Islam.’ Darul Islam translates as 'the house of Islam' and
describes the obligation to bring the non-Islamic under the rule of
Islam.
It is an ideology that pitches the migrant Hausa-Fulani herdsmen from the North against the indigenous Christian population of the Middle Belt Region. The migrants, the authors say, are determined not only to keep their own traditions and culture, but also to make them dominant: the battlegrounds are religious, political, economic and social.
“The report focuses on four states in the Middle Belt region: Plateau, Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa. The stories coming out of all four tell a consistent tale of harassment, discrimination and outright persecution,” Thomas says.
Attacks caused mass internal displacement
Thomas writes that in Taraba State, for example, Hausa-Fulani attacks on Christian communities have caused mass internal displacement. Thousands of indigenous farmers have scrambled to the state capital of Jalingo for safety. She says the authors cite specific cases of the murder of women and children in the villages, destruction of farms and the burning of homes and churches.
“Their information comes from extensive interviews with victims of violence in the region,” writes Thomas, adding: “Most residents fear that their forced migration into the towns will be permanent, and that there is no hope of returning to their land or way of life. As the rural communities flee, so Muslims, some of whom are not even Nigerians, take over the land, say the authors.”
Thomas
reports that the social effects are far reaching and food security is
an increasing concern. “There are documented instances of herdsmen
letting their cattle eat the crops of indigenous farmers. The conflict
prevents crops being grown and harvested. Displacement also interrupts
the education of children and often removes their access to medical
facilities that a settled existence provides.”
Thomas goes on to say that, according to the authors of the report, local media are silent over such events, and international media are selective in their reporting. “Local governments do not want to acknowledge that there is a problem and make no provision for the displaced. The camps are set up by the displaced themselves, in churches and schools. If official action were taken it would draw the attention of the world to the plight of this already large and growing body of displaced people. Moreover, while government at every level remains silent, the atrocities committed by the Hausa-Fulani can continue unchallenged,” she said.
The report says that state governments are allocating lands for grazing, an official process that will result in traditional lands being taken from Christian communities and given to Muslim herdsmen.
Christians forced to convert for political office
According to Thomas’ summary of the report, the Hausa Fulani ruling classes have imposed the Hausa language in the Middle Belt Region and the authors say there is a clear pro-Islam bias in the political system. Christians are forced to convert to Islam to gain political office. The report gives as an example Alhaji Yahya Kwande, a prominent Christian from Plateau state who saw conversion to Islam, in order to fight the system from within, as the only viable course of action.
“Some of the indigenous emirs have had to convert from Christianity to Islam. The present Emir of Ganye, in Southern Adamawa state, was a Catholic but had to convert to Islam in order to become Emir, even though most of the people in his chiefdom are Christians,” she writes.
According to the authors, the underlying principle here is ‘Cuius region, eius religio’ (‘whose realm, his religion’): in other words, whoever wields power can dictate which religion is dominant. “The government in the region is backed by Muslims, so where Christians win an election, it is likely they will not be appointed to office and that Muslim runners-up will gain office in their place,” Thomas said.
She adds: “The same can be seen in the election of tribal chiefs. The report details the case of Agwatashi in the Obi local government area of Nasarawa state. The traditional ruler died and six of the seven king-makers voted for Peter Ashiki, who is a Christian. Umar Abubakar Apeshi, a Muslim, received one vote. However, the government of Nasarawa state under the leadership of Muslim governor Aliyu Akwe Doma still crowned the Umar as the Osoho of Olusoho - Agwatashi. Similarly, when the Oseshi of Aloshi, Solomon Obiokpa died, his son who was the heir to the throne, was denied his birthright - for no reason other than his faith.”
Internal divisions encouraged by colonial powers
The seeds for the current situation were sown pre-independence when internal divisions were encouraged by the colonial powers, Thomas says. “Then in 1999, when Nigeria returned to multi-party democracy after a period of military rule, Ahmed Sani, the former Zamfara state governor declared a Sharia state, which he was able to do thanks to a loophole in the constitution. By 2000, 12 out of 19 northern states had declared Sharia law.”
She
explains that Boko Haram emerged in the north of Nigeria in 2002 and,
the authors of the report say, has the avowed intention of eradicating
Christianity from the Middle Belt region. “Their chosen method is
violence. In May 2014, for instance, two explosions in the market at Jos
killed 118 people, who were mostly Christians. Such aggression, say the
authors, paves the way well for the continuing incursion of
Hausa-Fulani Muslim herdsmen and their ongoing campaign to uproot and
eliminate Christian communities. A campaign that is well funded and well
resourced, they report - with sophisticated weapons such as AK-47s.”
Migration and Violent Conflict in Divided Societies concludes that the prevailing atmosphere of anti-Christian violence is supported by an expansionist Islamic policy and the complicity of government.
Thomas writes: “Migration of herdsmen in search of fresh grazing grounds does not adequately account for the current situation. The question is whether the indigenous people of the Middle Belt can find a way of unifying and then resisting the onslaught. The imminent election clearly offers no 'quick fix' hope in a region where the pro-Islamist bias in government is so ingrained.”
Photo captions: 1) Boko Haram fighters. 2) Nigerian forces try to contain Boko Haram. 3) Boko Haram leader speaking on a video. 4) Another Boko Haram massacre.
** You may republish any of our ANS stories with full attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).
Read more
By Michael Ireland, Senior Reporter, ASSIST News Service answritermike@gmail.com
NIGERIA (ANS -- March 24, 2015) -- More than 230 of the 275 girls, predominantly Christians, kidnapped by Boko Haram in northern Nigeria in April 2014 are still missing. “But the publicity surrounding this serves to hide a more widespread persecution of Christians in the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria,” writes Christina Thomas for www.worldwatchmonitor.org
Nigeria
lies on the Christian/Muslim fault-line across Africa; it passes
through the middle of the country, meaning there are inherent tensions
over land and identity in this area. A general election on March 28
might be to turn the tide of violence, much of it - though not all -
targeting Christians. It is, however, unlikely to help, Thomas says,
citing a new report.Titled ‘Migration and Violent Conflict in Divided Societies: Non-Boko Haram Violence against Christians in the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria’ by Abdulbarkindo Adamu and Alupse Ben, Nigeria Conflict Security Analysis Network, commissioned by the World Watch Research Unit of Open Doors International, a charity which works to support persecuted Christians around the world, the report (https://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/research/3777637) examines the background to the violence in the Middle Belt Region. Drawing on field investigations between January and June 2014, including interviews with victims of violence and refugees, it reveals a more complex picture than simple migrant incursion, the usual interpretation.
Thomas writes: “The human race is by nature mobile. If the community needs to move, it will. A settled community will wish incomers to integrate and conform to their culture and tradition; the migrant community will want to keep its own identity. For millennia this has led to conflict in different parts of the world.”
Thomas explains that in Northern Nigeria, “it cannot be disputed that the droughts are worsening and the fertile Middle Belt Region offers attractive grazing grounds to beleaguered pastoralists from the north. The Hausa-Fulani herdsmen, predominantly Muslims, have gradually moved into the Middle Belt Region and there are a growing number of well documented instances of violence against indigenous, predominantly Christian farmers. These in-comers are burning farms, raping women and attacking houses and churches.”
Thomas
writes that the authors of the report argue that this is not an
advanced form of jostling over territory. Rather, they say, it is part
of a political strategy that is inspired by the Islamic doctrine of
‘darul Islam.’ Darul Islam translates as 'the house of Islam' and
describes the obligation to bring the non-Islamic under the rule of
Islam.It is an ideology that pitches the migrant Hausa-Fulani herdsmen from the North against the indigenous Christian population of the Middle Belt Region. The migrants, the authors say, are determined not only to keep their own traditions and culture, but also to make them dominant: the battlegrounds are religious, political, economic and social.
“The report focuses on four states in the Middle Belt region: Plateau, Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa. The stories coming out of all four tell a consistent tale of harassment, discrimination and outright persecution,” Thomas says.
Attacks caused mass internal displacement
Thomas writes that in Taraba State, for example, Hausa-Fulani attacks on Christian communities have caused mass internal displacement. Thousands of indigenous farmers have scrambled to the state capital of Jalingo for safety. She says the authors cite specific cases of the murder of women and children in the villages, destruction of farms and the burning of homes and churches.
“Their information comes from extensive interviews with victims of violence in the region,” writes Thomas, adding: “Most residents fear that their forced migration into the towns will be permanent, and that there is no hope of returning to their land or way of life. As the rural communities flee, so Muslims, some of whom are not even Nigerians, take over the land, say the authors.”
Thomas
reports that the social effects are far reaching and food security is
an increasing concern. “There are documented instances of herdsmen
letting their cattle eat the crops of indigenous farmers. The conflict
prevents crops being grown and harvested. Displacement also interrupts
the education of children and often removes their access to medical
facilities that a settled existence provides.”Thomas goes on to say that, according to the authors of the report, local media are silent over such events, and international media are selective in their reporting. “Local governments do not want to acknowledge that there is a problem and make no provision for the displaced. The camps are set up by the displaced themselves, in churches and schools. If official action were taken it would draw the attention of the world to the plight of this already large and growing body of displaced people. Moreover, while government at every level remains silent, the atrocities committed by the Hausa-Fulani can continue unchallenged,” she said.
The report says that state governments are allocating lands for grazing, an official process that will result in traditional lands being taken from Christian communities and given to Muslim herdsmen.
Christians forced to convert for political office
According to Thomas’ summary of the report, the Hausa Fulani ruling classes have imposed the Hausa language in the Middle Belt Region and the authors say there is a clear pro-Islam bias in the political system. Christians are forced to convert to Islam to gain political office. The report gives as an example Alhaji Yahya Kwande, a prominent Christian from Plateau state who saw conversion to Islam, in order to fight the system from within, as the only viable course of action.
“Some of the indigenous emirs have had to convert from Christianity to Islam. The present Emir of Ganye, in Southern Adamawa state, was a Catholic but had to convert to Islam in order to become Emir, even though most of the people in his chiefdom are Christians,” she writes.
According to the authors, the underlying principle here is ‘Cuius region, eius religio’ (‘whose realm, his religion’): in other words, whoever wields power can dictate which religion is dominant. “The government in the region is backed by Muslims, so where Christians win an election, it is likely they will not be appointed to office and that Muslim runners-up will gain office in their place,” Thomas said.
She adds: “The same can be seen in the election of tribal chiefs. The report details the case of Agwatashi in the Obi local government area of Nasarawa state. The traditional ruler died and six of the seven king-makers voted for Peter Ashiki, who is a Christian. Umar Abubakar Apeshi, a Muslim, received one vote. However, the government of Nasarawa state under the leadership of Muslim governor Aliyu Akwe Doma still crowned the Umar as the Osoho of Olusoho - Agwatashi. Similarly, when the Oseshi of Aloshi, Solomon Obiokpa died, his son who was the heir to the throne, was denied his birthright - for no reason other than his faith.”
Internal divisions encouraged by colonial powers
The seeds for the current situation were sown pre-independence when internal divisions were encouraged by the colonial powers, Thomas says. “Then in 1999, when Nigeria returned to multi-party democracy after a period of military rule, Ahmed Sani, the former Zamfara state governor declared a Sharia state, which he was able to do thanks to a loophole in the constitution. By 2000, 12 out of 19 northern states had declared Sharia law.”
She
explains that Boko Haram emerged in the north of Nigeria in 2002 and,
the authors of the report say, has the avowed intention of eradicating
Christianity from the Middle Belt region. “Their chosen method is
violence. In May 2014, for instance, two explosions in the market at Jos
killed 118 people, who were mostly Christians. Such aggression, say the
authors, paves the way well for the continuing incursion of
Hausa-Fulani Muslim herdsmen and their ongoing campaign to uproot and
eliminate Christian communities. A campaign that is well funded and well
resourced, they report - with sophisticated weapons such as AK-47s.”Migration and Violent Conflict in Divided Societies concludes that the prevailing atmosphere of anti-Christian violence is supported by an expansionist Islamic policy and the complicity of government.
Thomas writes: “Migration of herdsmen in search of fresh grazing grounds does not adequately account for the current situation. The question is whether the indigenous people of the Middle Belt can find a way of unifying and then resisting the onslaught. The imminent election clearly offers no 'quick fix' hope in a region where the pro-Islamist bias in government is so ingrained.”
Photo captions: 1) Boko Haram fighters. 2) Nigerian forces try to contain Boko Haram. 3) Boko Haram leader speaking on a video. 4) Another Boko Haram massacre.
** You may republish any of our ANS stories with full attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).
Read more
Islamic State Now Recruits Deaf to Join Jihad in Iraq
Islamic State Now Recruits Deaf to Join Jihad in Iraq
By Dan Wooding, Founder of ASSIST and the ASSIST News Service
IRAQ (ANS – March 25, 2015) -- On March 8, 2015, a new recruitment video by Islamic State Iraq, also known as ISIS, showed up online.
This
video is different than their other videos in that this one uses sign
language in an attempt to recruit the deaf in the Middle East and the
rest of the world to join this terror group. This video shows two men
who are said to be deaf brothers who are part of IS in Iraq.
A source, who has asked not to be identified for security reasons, told ANS, “In the video the two men challenge the deaf in the Middle East and in Western countries to join in the jihad. Below are some quotes from the signing. These are not from the original captioning provided with the video but from the actual signing on the video. The signing and the captions do not always match and not all of the signing is shown in the captions.
First they call on the deaf around the world to join them in the Islamic State where they claim “it is good for deaf people.” Then they say that the nations in the West and in the Middle East want to attack but they will be defeated.
Here is an excerpt from the video:
Again, here’s another excerpt from the video:
He added, “Since misinformation is to be expected from these sorts of videos I asked people familiar with deaf and sign language in the Middle East to evaluate the video. I did not automatically assume that these men are deaf and that all that was reported was true.
“These people reported that the first person on the video signed better than the second person. They both were using a sign language related to those used in the countries in the region. It may have been a dialect used in Iraq but they were not certain. However, I was surprised that there was not a consensus on whether these two were deaf or not.
“After evaluating all of these mixed responses I think it somewhat more likely that both men are deaf. The first one may have received more of a formal education than the second one which could explain his more sophisticated signing. The captions report that these Deaf men are brothers and gives the name of the first man as Abdu 'Abdur-Rahman but this information did not appear in the signing.”
He concluded by saying, “Sources in the Middle East report that deaf people from Iraq and Syria have joined Islamic State, perhaps more than 1,000, but they did not know any deaf from Jordan who have joined them. I got a report of another Islamic State recruitment video aimed at deaf people but this one was from Syria. Unfortunately, I have not yet located a copy.”
Photo Image: Still from Islamic State deaf recruitment video.
** You may republish any of our ANS stories with propert attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).
Read more
By Dan Wooding, Founder of ASSIST and the ASSIST News Service
IRAQ (ANS – March 25, 2015) -- On March 8, 2015, a new recruitment video by Islamic State Iraq, also known as ISIS, showed up online.
This
video is different than their other videos in that this one uses sign
language in an attempt to recruit the deaf in the Middle East and the
rest of the world to join this terror group. This video shows two men
who are said to be deaf brothers who are part of IS in Iraq.A source, who has asked not to be identified for security reasons, told ANS, “In the video the two men challenge the deaf in the Middle East and in Western countries to join in the jihad. Below are some quotes from the signing. These are not from the original captioning provided with the video but from the actual signing on the video. The signing and the captions do not always match and not all of the signing is shown in the captions.
First they call on the deaf around the world to join them in the Islamic State where they claim “it is good for deaf people.” Then they say that the nations in the West and in the Middle East want to attack but they will be defeated.
Here is an excerpt from the video:
(First deaf man)
We send greetings to the Arab world...
As a deaf person I am sending greetings to the world...
Deaf from all of the world, wherever, from the Arab world wherever, you can come here, you can talk, you can sign. It is fine.
The Islamic State is strong, with fasting
and prayer, there is expansion...It is good. They understand. Thanks be
to God it is good.
America, Britain, Italy and France want to
attack us but let's see. First Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar
want to come and attack us. We'll see, God and his prophet Mohammed have
told us to kick them out. We are to go to these accursed. Let them die.
All of these Arabs need to die, you know?
In the video the two men talk about the important jobs they have with
Islamic State in Iraq. They both work as traffic police and are seen
directing traffic, carrying automatic weapons. Later in the video they
prepare “rockets” against the Peshmerga (Kurdish) forces.Again, here’s another excerpt from the video:
(Second deaf man)
Greetings to the deaf. You know I work in the Islamic State as a traffic warden...
Hello, I am a sheikh (respected person) in the Islamic. I am a deaf traffic warden, together with him...
The Peshmerga missiles landed here and I
saw adults and babies fall down. I saw it and got furious. Look, I screw
on the caps on the missiles to attack the Peshmerga. We shoot missiles
and attack and attack them.
The source went on to say, “According
to contacts in the Middle East, this video is likely to appeal to deaf
in the region because the deaf are usually not allowed to serve in the
armies of any of the nations,” explained the ANS source. “In
this video not only are deaf people serving in an armed force but these
two deaf men have what would be considered prestigious positions as
police and are involved directly in the fighting. One deaf contact
reported that Deaf had been involved in fighting in Hebron, again as
jihadists.”He added, “Since misinformation is to be expected from these sorts of videos I asked people familiar with deaf and sign language in the Middle East to evaluate the video. I did not automatically assume that these men are deaf and that all that was reported was true.
“These people reported that the first person on the video signed better than the second person. They both were using a sign language related to those used in the countries in the region. It may have been a dialect used in Iraq but they were not certain. However, I was surprised that there was not a consensus on whether these two were deaf or not.
“After evaluating all of these mixed responses I think it somewhat more likely that both men are deaf. The first one may have received more of a formal education than the second one which could explain his more sophisticated signing. The captions report that these Deaf men are brothers and gives the name of the first man as Abdu 'Abdur-Rahman but this information did not appear in the signing.”
He concluded by saying, “Sources in the Middle East report that deaf people from Iraq and Syria have joined Islamic State, perhaps more than 1,000, but they did not know any deaf from Jordan who have joined them. I got a report of another Islamic State recruitment video aimed at deaf people but this one was from Syria. Unfortunately, I have not yet located a copy.”
Photo Image: Still from Islamic State deaf recruitment video.
** You may republish any of our ANS stories with propert attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).
Read more
Five Christians Killed, One Critically Wounded
Five Christians Killed, One Critically Wounded, by Islamic Extremists in Kenya
By Jeremy Reynalds, Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service (jeremyreynalds@gmail.com)
MANDERA, KENYA. (ANS -- March 25, 2015) -- Islamic extremists from Somalia took responsibility for killing four Christians on March 17, and another on March 15 in northeast Kenya.
According to a story by Morning Star News, Somali rebel Al Shabaab militiamen or their Somali sympathizers have carried out several attacks on Kenyan soil the past two years, usually separating out Christians and executing them. It’s in retaliation for Kenya's military involvement in the Somali government's fight against the insurgents.
Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for Tuesday's shooting deaths of four Kenyan Christians at a money-transfer shop in Wajir. An explosion, either from a grenade or a fire set with gasoline, then burned the bodies beyond recognition, area sources said.
An
eyewitness from the same church denomination and area in central Kenya
as the four victims told Morning Star News the deceased were members of
the East Africa Pentecostal Church (EAPC) in Gacigongo sub-location,
Tharaka-Nithi County.
A fifth Christian from the same area was critically injured in the attack and was airlifted to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi.
All five Christians, as well as the eyewitness who identified the dead, had come to Wajir to find jobs in construction. The four who were killed were shot while inside the shop trying to send money to their families in central Kenya, an area source told Morning Star News.
An EAPC pastor in Gacigongo told Morning Star News that the Christians killed were very active members of their congregations, and his church is mourning their deaths.
“The church is yet to come to terms with the barbaric destruction of their members,” Morning Star News reported the pastor said.
The critically injured individual was outside the shop when bullets struck him in the stomach, hands and legs. He was rushed to a hospital in Wajir before being airlifted to Nairobi, an area pastor said.
Two others were injured in the attack. They were another Kenyan, and a Somali woman clerking at the shop who sustained a minor injury from the shooting.
“We feel the Somali lady who suffered the bullet shot was just accidental, because for the rest of the victims, the gunshot hit them directly,” Morning Star News reported the area source said. “The guns which were fired hit the targeted persons.”
The charred remains of those who died were sent to Nairobi so that a pathologist could try to identify them through their families’ DNA, sources said.
The gunmen spoke in the Somali language, possibly allowing them to receive a signal to shoot that the migrant workers would not have understood, the area pastor said.
After the gunshots, the attackers locked the victims inside the shop and set them ablaze, an area pastor said.
“It is quite a horrific act that after the four victims being shot dead, the attackers went ahead and burned their bodies,” Morning Star News reported he said. “I know we as pastors here in Wajir are not safe at all.”
County Police Commander Samuel Mukindia reportedly confirmed that the assailants killed four people and wounded three others who were inside the shop at the time of the raid.
A representative for the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al Shabaab, Abdulaziz Abu Musab, took responsibility for the killings and said such attacks will continue.
Mandera attack
In Mandera, also in northeastern Kenya but 390 kilometers (242 miles) away, an EAPC member was shot dead on March 15, an area pastor told Morning Star News. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility.
The man, from western Kenya, was sprayed with gunfire along with three other Kenyans after leaving the car repair shop where they worked, AK Garage, to buy some food at about 8:30 p.m. He was hit in the head and died immediately; the other three were wounded. All four were known to attend churches in Mandera.
“Though
Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility, we cannot rule out jealousy from
the community on the success of the business,” Morning Star News
reported the pastor said.
One of the three wounded is receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital for a broken right hand, a leg wound and a bullet lodged in his waist. The two other injured Christians have been discharged.
The government had assured non-local workers that it would beef up security after attacks last year.
More than 800 teachers who came to Mandera from outside the area have vowed not to return to work there despite government assurance of security and threats to fire them.
In the Mandera attack, several shots were fired from a white car, and then gunmen fled, the pastor said.
“We really need prayers,” Morning Star News reported he said. “If we leave Mandera, it means abandoning God's work.”
For more information visit www.morningstarnews.org
Photo caption: 1) Al Shabaab militants hunting for non-Muslims. 2) Al Shabaab members try out their weapons.
** You may republish any story with proper attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)
Read more
By Jeremy Reynalds, Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service (jeremyreynalds@gmail.com)
MANDERA, KENYA. (ANS -- March 25, 2015) -- Islamic extremists from Somalia took responsibility for killing four Christians on March 17, and another on March 15 in northeast Kenya.
According to a story by Morning Star News, Somali rebel Al Shabaab militiamen or their Somali sympathizers have carried out several attacks on Kenyan soil the past two years, usually separating out Christians and executing them. It’s in retaliation for Kenya's military involvement in the Somali government's fight against the insurgents.
Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for Tuesday's shooting deaths of four Kenyan Christians at a money-transfer shop in Wajir. An explosion, either from a grenade or a fire set with gasoline, then burned the bodies beyond recognition, area sources said.
An
eyewitness from the same church denomination and area in central Kenya
as the four victims told Morning Star News the deceased were members of
the East Africa Pentecostal Church (EAPC) in Gacigongo sub-location,
Tharaka-Nithi County.A fifth Christian from the same area was critically injured in the attack and was airlifted to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi.
All five Christians, as well as the eyewitness who identified the dead, had come to Wajir to find jobs in construction. The four who were killed were shot while inside the shop trying to send money to their families in central Kenya, an area source told Morning Star News.
An EAPC pastor in Gacigongo told Morning Star News that the Christians killed were very active members of their congregations, and his church is mourning their deaths.
“The church is yet to come to terms with the barbaric destruction of their members,” Morning Star News reported the pastor said.
The critically injured individual was outside the shop when bullets struck him in the stomach, hands and legs. He was rushed to a hospital in Wajir before being airlifted to Nairobi, an area pastor said.
Two others were injured in the attack. They were another Kenyan, and a Somali woman clerking at the shop who sustained a minor injury from the shooting.
“We feel the Somali lady who suffered the bullet shot was just accidental, because for the rest of the victims, the gunshot hit them directly,” Morning Star News reported the area source said. “The guns which were fired hit the targeted persons.”
The charred remains of those who died were sent to Nairobi so that a pathologist could try to identify them through their families’ DNA, sources said.
The gunmen spoke in the Somali language, possibly allowing them to receive a signal to shoot that the migrant workers would not have understood, the area pastor said.
After the gunshots, the attackers locked the victims inside the shop and set them ablaze, an area pastor said.
“It is quite a horrific act that after the four victims being shot dead, the attackers went ahead and burned their bodies,” Morning Star News reported he said. “I know we as pastors here in Wajir are not safe at all.”
County Police Commander Samuel Mukindia reportedly confirmed that the assailants killed four people and wounded three others who were inside the shop at the time of the raid.
A representative for the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al Shabaab, Abdulaziz Abu Musab, took responsibility for the killings and said such attacks will continue.
Mandera attack
In Mandera, also in northeastern Kenya but 390 kilometers (242 miles) away, an EAPC member was shot dead on March 15, an area pastor told Morning Star News. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility.
The man, from western Kenya, was sprayed with gunfire along with three other Kenyans after leaving the car repair shop where they worked, AK Garage, to buy some food at about 8:30 p.m. He was hit in the head and died immediately; the other three were wounded. All four were known to attend churches in Mandera.
“Though
Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility, we cannot rule out jealousy from
the community on the success of the business,” Morning Star News
reported the pastor said.One of the three wounded is receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital for a broken right hand, a leg wound and a bullet lodged in his waist. The two other injured Christians have been discharged.
The government had assured non-local workers that it would beef up security after attacks last year.
More than 800 teachers who came to Mandera from outside the area have vowed not to return to work there despite government assurance of security and threats to fire them.
In the Mandera attack, several shots were fired from a white car, and then gunmen fled, the pastor said.
“We really need prayers,” Morning Star News reported he said. “If we leave Mandera, it means abandoning God's work.”
For more information visit www.morningstarnews.org
Photo caption: 1) Al Shabaab militants hunting for non-Muslims. 2) Al Shabaab members try out their weapons.
** You may republish any story with proper attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)
Read more
Staggering Increase of International Students in USA
Staggering Increase of International Students in USA
By Bill Bray, Special to ASSIST News Service (Writer's Opinion)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (ANS – March 26, 2015) – The largest and most accessible mission field in the United States has grown another 14% in the last year according to the Department of Homeland Security. The new statistics confirm what missiologists have been saying for decades; the easiest way to reach some of the most unreached people groups in the world is to stay right here at home.
For
example, Saudi Arabia, which forbids Christian evangelism and missions
of any kind on penalty of death, has sent 80,941 students here this
year. Saudi Islamists are the prime funders of the world’s most famous
terror movements including al Qaeda and ISIS. This means one of the only
places to reach out to young Saudi leadership from the world’s most
closed country is in the USA.
In fact over 855,807 of this year’s international students are from Asia – 331,371 from China alone, another country which forbids American missionaries. Most of the Asians are in the 10/40 Window, a region mostly behind the vail of Islam, communism or extreme nationalism. Over 146,000 are from India where Hindu nationalists are increasing terror attacks on Christians and American missionaries are illegal.
American student missions are already hard pressed to reach the current crush of students. They will be meeting at Wheaton College May 28-30 to plan a response strategy during the annual Association of Christians Ministering among Internationals (ACMI). “Operation Esther Circles” are being formed in 3,200 Universities communities to mobilize prayer for the incoming students. Besides the Universities, 300 other colleges and institutions are joining in the response.
Among those participating in ACMI are local campus churches and ministries including Bridges International, International Students, Inc., Intervarsity ISM, and Overseas Students Mission.The 14% increase this year reflects a growth trend of 50% since 2010 and 85% since 2005. Although there was a brief slowdown in growth at the 2011 terrorist attacks on the USA, the number of international students has been soaring since WWII. Today, it is booming.
Besides response from international student ministries, strategists are also hoping to enlist more aid from the Ethnic American Network (EAN) which meets in Atlanta April 16-18. There is also hope that traditional domestic ministries to students, and the students themselves will do more to reach out to their classmates.
Photo caption: International students arriving on campus.
Billy Bray, 68, is an author and retired foreign correspondent who frequently contributes to ASSIST News Service. He specializes in covering international student ministries and indigenous missions of all kinds. He has traveled to over 65 countries as a missionary journalist to report on missions and development ministries, returning to some countries as many as 30 times over the years. He can be contacted by e-mail at: bray.william@gmail.com
Please feel free to republish this and any of our ANS stories with full attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).
Read more
By Bill Bray, Special to ASSIST News Service (Writer's Opinion)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (ANS – March 26, 2015) – The largest and most accessible mission field in the United States has grown another 14% in the last year according to the Department of Homeland Security. The new statistics confirm what missiologists have been saying for decades; the easiest way to reach some of the most unreached people groups in the world is to stay right here at home.
For
example, Saudi Arabia, which forbids Christian evangelism and missions
of any kind on penalty of death, has sent 80,941 students here this
year. Saudi Islamists are the prime funders of the world’s most famous
terror movements including al Qaeda and ISIS. This means one of the only
places to reach out to young Saudi leadership from the world’s most
closed country is in the USA.In fact over 855,807 of this year’s international students are from Asia – 331,371 from China alone, another country which forbids American missionaries. Most of the Asians are in the 10/40 Window, a region mostly behind the vail of Islam, communism or extreme nationalism. Over 146,000 are from India where Hindu nationalists are increasing terror attacks on Christians and American missionaries are illegal.
American student missions are already hard pressed to reach the current crush of students. They will be meeting at Wheaton College May 28-30 to plan a response strategy during the annual Association of Christians Ministering among Internationals (ACMI). “Operation Esther Circles” are being formed in 3,200 Universities communities to mobilize prayer for the incoming students. Besides the Universities, 300 other colleges and institutions are joining in the response.
Among those participating in ACMI are local campus churches and ministries including Bridges International, International Students, Inc., Intervarsity ISM, and Overseas Students Mission.The 14% increase this year reflects a growth trend of 50% since 2010 and 85% since 2005. Although there was a brief slowdown in growth at the 2011 terrorist attacks on the USA, the number of international students has been soaring since WWII. Today, it is booming.
Besides response from international student ministries, strategists are also hoping to enlist more aid from the Ethnic American Network (EAN) which meets in Atlanta April 16-18. There is also hope that traditional domestic ministries to students, and the students themselves will do more to reach out to their classmates.
Photo caption: International students arriving on campus.
Billy Bray, 68, is an author and retired foreign correspondent who frequently contributes to ASSIST News Service. He specializes in covering international student ministries and indigenous missions of all kinds. He has traveled to over 65 countries as a missionary journalist to report on missions and development ministries, returning to some countries as many as 30 times over the years. He can be contacted by e-mail at: bray.william@gmail.com
Please feel free to republish this and any of our ANS stories with full attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).
Read more
Babies born to kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls due to rape
Babies born to kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls due to rape; one recent escapee says she knows where they are being held
By Mark Ellis, special to ASSIST News Service
NIGERIA (ANS -- March 26, 2015) -- It has been a year since the kidnaping of 232 Nigerian schoolgirls gained world attention. Sadly, the first babies born to the schoolgirls due to rape arrived in February. Four girls who managed to escape the terror group said they were raped almost on a daily basis, according to a report by World Watch Monitor (WWM).
The
four girls said those who did not cooperate with the rebels faced
severe punishment. Other girls captured previously who managed to escape
said some girls were killed because they would not renounce their
Christian faith, WWM reported.
Meanwhile, a woman recently released by Boko Haram reports she was held in the same location as the schoolgirls — Gwoza town in Borno state, according to the International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).
Mbutu Papka, 56, was kidnapped in July 2014 and held by the insurgents for eight months in two locations.
She says the abducted schoolgirls are being held under very tight security in a house in Gwoza. Ms. Papka said no one is allowed near the fenced building where the abducted girls are being held under 24-hour security.
People in the area informed Papka the girls were inside. Because access to the house is restricted, the girls apparently do their own cooking and chores, according to ICIR.
The Nigerian Government has been under severe criticism for the way it has dealt with the crisis. Many say it has not done enough to secure the girls’ release or to support their families.
Australian Stephen Davis was involved in negotiations for the release of the schoolgirls and he goes so far as to say the government was complicit in their abduction.
MORE
Photo caption: Boko Haram fighters
Note: Please free free to republish this and any of our ANS stories with full attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)
Read more
By Mark Ellis, special to ASSIST News Service
NIGERIA (ANS -- March 26, 2015) -- It has been a year since the kidnaping of 232 Nigerian schoolgirls gained world attention. Sadly, the first babies born to the schoolgirls due to rape arrived in February. Four girls who managed to escape the terror group said they were raped almost on a daily basis, according to a report by World Watch Monitor (WWM).
The
four girls said those who did not cooperate with the rebels faced
severe punishment. Other girls captured previously who managed to escape
said some girls were killed because they would not renounce their
Christian faith, WWM reported.Meanwhile, a woman recently released by Boko Haram reports she was held in the same location as the schoolgirls — Gwoza town in Borno state, according to the International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).
Mbutu Papka, 56, was kidnapped in July 2014 and held by the insurgents for eight months in two locations.
She says the abducted schoolgirls are being held under very tight security in a house in Gwoza. Ms. Papka said no one is allowed near the fenced building where the abducted girls are being held under 24-hour security.
People in the area informed Papka the girls were inside. Because access to the house is restricted, the girls apparently do their own cooking and chores, according to ICIR.
The Nigerian Government has been under severe criticism for the way it has dealt with the crisis. Many say it has not done enough to secure the girls’ release or to support their families.
Australian Stephen Davis was involved in negotiations for the release of the schoolgirls and he goes so far as to say the government was complicit in their abduction.
MORE
Photo caption: Boko Haram fighters
Note: Please free free to republish this and any of our ANS stories with full attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)
Read more
Rabu, 25 Maret 2015
Mexico: Protestants Imprisoned and Forcibly Displaced
Mexico: Protestants Imprisoned and Forcibly Displaced
By Dan Wooding, Founder of ASSIST and the ASSIST News Service
CHICHILTEPEC VILLAGE, MEXICO (ANS – March 23, 2015) -- Two men in Hidalgo State, Mexico were arbitrarily imprisoned and then expelled from their community, along with their families, after refusing to renounce their religious beliefs on March 12, 2015.
Christian
Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) says that Casto Hernández Hernández and his
cousin Juan Placido Hernández, both Protestant Christians, were
imprisoned for approximately 30 hours by village officials in
Chichiltepec village, Tlanchinol Municipality.
According to Pastor Marcopolo Valdéz Guzmán, president of the Pastors’ Alliance for the Sierra and Huasteca, the region in which the religious freedom violations took place, the efforts to expel the men were led by local leaders, including the village delegate, Jesús DomÃnguez Hernández.
“A campaign targeting the Protestant minority began in April 2014 when the village authorities attempted to force them to sign a document prohibiting them from belonging to any non-Roman Catholic religion. The Protestants refused to do so, but the village leaders signed the document, which they claimed was binding on the community,” said a spokesperson for CSW.
“On March 12, 2015, Casto Hernández Hernández received a summons while at work to appear at a special meeting of the village council to discuss community concerns. When he presented himself at the meeting, he was informed of complaints that he had been hosting non-Roman Catholic religious meetings in his home.
“The local authorities produced a document that stated that he renounced all his rights as a member of the community and that he was surrendering all of his property to the community, including his land and house.
When Casto Hernández Hernández refused to sign, they imprisoned him and his cousin, who had ccompanied him to the meeting.
“According to Pastor Valdéz Guzmán, the two men were held in unhygienic conditions in a cell with no bathroom. Casto Hernández Hernández was removed from the cell twice during the 30 hour period to try to force him to sign the document.”
The men were released just after midnight on March 21, but told they had 18 hours to leave the community. They are now displaced and have received temporary shelter in the city of Huejutla de Reyes, with members of Pastor Valdéz Guzmán’s congregation. Pastor Valdéz Guzmán has also headed up community efforts to supply the family with basic necessities as, according to him, they were able to bring very few belongings with them.
“Religious freedom violations are common in the state of Hidalgo, where local leaders often attempt to force conformity to the majority religion. State officials tasked with upholding the law, including human rights protections enshrined in the Mexican constitution, rarely intervene to protect religious freedom,” added the CSW spokesperson.
Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), said, “We were disturbed to hear of the unlawful imprisonment and forced expulsion of these two men and their families simply because of their religious beliefs. However, it is even more disturbing to know that those responsible for these illegal acts remain in a position of authority and have seen no legal consequences for their actions.
“While we welcome the efforts of local churches in Huejutla to support the families, it is the responsibility of the State government, which appears to have absented itself, to help the victims both in terms of material support and in seeking justice for the crimes that have been committed against them by local authorities.
“We call on Hidalgo State Governor Francisco Olvera Ruz to take swift action in this case to ensure that the families can return to their homes, practice their faith in peace and that those responsible for their illegal imprisonment, the arbitrary confiscation of their property and their forced expulsion are held to account.”
Note: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organization working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.
For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.
Photo caption: Preaching the Gospel in a remote area of Mexico
Please feel free to re-publish this and any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net), where you can also get a free subscription. Please share this free offer with your friends.
Read more
By Dan Wooding, Founder of ASSIST and the ASSIST News Service
CHICHILTEPEC VILLAGE, MEXICO (ANS – March 23, 2015) -- Two men in Hidalgo State, Mexico were arbitrarily imprisoned and then expelled from their community, along with their families, after refusing to renounce their religious beliefs on March 12, 2015.
Christian
Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) says that Casto Hernández Hernández and his
cousin Juan Placido Hernández, both Protestant Christians, were
imprisoned for approximately 30 hours by village officials in
Chichiltepec village, Tlanchinol Municipality.According to Pastor Marcopolo Valdéz Guzmán, president of the Pastors’ Alliance for the Sierra and Huasteca, the region in which the religious freedom violations took place, the efforts to expel the men were led by local leaders, including the village delegate, Jesús DomÃnguez Hernández.
“A campaign targeting the Protestant minority began in April 2014 when the village authorities attempted to force them to sign a document prohibiting them from belonging to any non-Roman Catholic religion. The Protestants refused to do so, but the village leaders signed the document, which they claimed was binding on the community,” said a spokesperson for CSW.
“On March 12, 2015, Casto Hernández Hernández received a summons while at work to appear at a special meeting of the village council to discuss community concerns. When he presented himself at the meeting, he was informed of complaints that he had been hosting non-Roman Catholic religious meetings in his home.
“The local authorities produced a document that stated that he renounced all his rights as a member of the community and that he was surrendering all of his property to the community, including his land and house.
When Casto Hernández Hernández refused to sign, they imprisoned him and his cousin, who had ccompanied him to the meeting.
“According to Pastor Valdéz Guzmán, the two men were held in unhygienic conditions in a cell with no bathroom. Casto Hernández Hernández was removed from the cell twice during the 30 hour period to try to force him to sign the document.”
The men were released just after midnight on March 21, but told they had 18 hours to leave the community. They are now displaced and have received temporary shelter in the city of Huejutla de Reyes, with members of Pastor Valdéz Guzmán’s congregation. Pastor Valdéz Guzmán has also headed up community efforts to supply the family with basic necessities as, according to him, they were able to bring very few belongings with them.
“Religious freedom violations are common in the state of Hidalgo, where local leaders often attempt to force conformity to the majority religion. State officials tasked with upholding the law, including human rights protections enshrined in the Mexican constitution, rarely intervene to protect religious freedom,” added the CSW spokesperson.
Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), said, “We were disturbed to hear of the unlawful imprisonment and forced expulsion of these two men and their families simply because of their religious beliefs. However, it is even more disturbing to know that those responsible for these illegal acts remain in a position of authority and have seen no legal consequences for their actions.
“While we welcome the efforts of local churches in Huejutla to support the families, it is the responsibility of the State government, which appears to have absented itself, to help the victims both in terms of material support and in seeking justice for the crimes that have been committed against them by local authorities.
“We call on Hidalgo State Governor Francisco Olvera Ruz to take swift action in this case to ensure that the families can return to their homes, practice their faith in peace and that those responsible for their illegal imprisonment, the arbitrary confiscation of their property and their forced expulsion are held to account.”
Note: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organization working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.
For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.
Photo caption: Preaching the Gospel in a remote area of Mexico
Please feel free to re-publish this and any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net), where you can also get a free subscription. Please share this free offer with your friends.
Read more
In Ukraine: Peace and Safety
In Ukraine: Peace and Safety
However, we’ve found that it’s the shortest possible amount of time in which we can accomplish all we need to do when we visit the States, and we’re so grateful to our ministry team here in Ukraine and the wonderful people of the church who are able to keep things running smoothly while the pastor and his family are away.
When
we returned from furlough this time, people were especially glad to
welcome us back. Given the uncertainty, violence, and economic
instability that have become the new norm for Ukraine, I think some
wondered if we would come back at all. While there has been no fighting
anywhere near where we live, it’s a heavy fact of life that Ukraine is
essentially engaged in a war fought entirely within her own borders.
There are constant reminders.
Yesterday in the course of running errands, I saw two notices about how the average Ukrainian could help the war effort. One was posted on a large cardboard box in the grocery store, informing people that they could drop off canned goods to send to the soldiers. The other was in a pharmacy, where they had a list of all the medications they sold that the army needed, so that concerned citizens could buy a few and send them to the troops.
A few nights ago when we went out to eat dinner in a restaurant near our apartment, we were surprised to find an entire dining room taken up by women with traditional Ukrainian headscarves tied around their hair making dumplings. When our server came to take our order, she informed us that we all needed to order the same entree, because the kitchen was busy preparing all these dumplings to send to the soldiers, and there wasn’t much room left to prepare anything else.
Even the conversations you have with casual friends serve as a grim reminder of the country’s difficulties, because allusions to the war are one of the most likely subjects for small talk, right up there with the weather and one’s health. But I should clarify that technically, it’s not a war, since no one has declared war on anybody. It’s actually called the Anti-Terrorist Operation, and the abbreviation ATO has become embedded in colloquial vocabulary.
But war or not, it looks a lot like war. We’re incredibly grateful that our city has been spared the shelling, civilian casualties, and complete destruction of infrastructure that some of the cities in Eastern Ukraine have experienced. It’s heart-wrenching to think of the dire circumstances that many Ukrainians in the east have been facing. From the shelling of residential neighborhoods, to the unavailability of food, to the impossibility of fleeing cities after their public transportation systems have ceased to function, the lives of people in the conflict zones have changed drastically. In many cases, the only relief has come from the efforts of true Christians who are risking their lives to go into these areas to take aid and bring out anyone interested in leaving. Our church and others in our city have been involved in collecting donations of money and clothing for such relief trips.
I’ve never lived in a situation like this before. On the whole, Americans of my generation have led charmed lives. We may have to step outside of our culture to recognize it, but being a citizen of one of the world’s wealthiest nations has distinct advantages, even if you are nowhere near the top of that nation’s social structure. And wealth aside, the United States has not had a war fought on her soil since 1865, when the Civil War ended. In contrast, the territory of modern-day Ukraine has seen a long string of wars during that same time period. Barring the current conflict, the most recent of these was World War II, which claimed the lives of over 8 million Ukrainians, roughly one-fifth of the population at that time. Most of them were civilians.
There
are those living today who remember that nightmare and other tragedies
that have ravaged this country. I can’t conceive what it would be like
to live through something like that. Over the last year as we watched
the events unfold that led to the current situation, a part of my mind
always knew that things could become dangerous, and we might have to
consider evacuation for the sake of our children. But even as my husband
and I discussed what we would do if violence threatened our area, even
as I packed our passports and a few items of sentimental value to be
ready to grab at a moment’s notice, I found it hard to believe that it
would actually come to that. Even admitting that such a thing was a
possibility felt surreal. Our ministry is here; our church family is
here; many dear friends are here; our children’s schools are here—and
the list goes on. The idea of leaving seemed far-fetched, at best.
At various times over the last year, a few people have hinted that we should leave Ukraine to return to the United States. These well-meaning individuals believe we would be safer in the U.S. While I appreciate their concern and can see their point of view, I have found this attitude somewhat irritating and frustrating. I’ve never really known how to respond to it, however, because until recently, I couldn’t define why it bothered me.
While we were in the States this past winter, we did a lot of driving. We saw cities and countryside and everything in between. One day, as we were driving through a suburban area, passing all these houses with their yards and proverbial picket fences, I was struck by the enormous contrast between the life my family and I live and the lives represented by these cute homes and well-kept yards. On the one hand, we have uncertainty, no place to call our own, and financial insecurity. On the other hand, they have stability, a place to put down roots, and probable financial security.
I used to covet what they had, hating that we had to move so often, wishing that we didn’t always have to rent apartments, longing to be able to settle in and build a nest somewhere. But as I looked out the window of the car that day, I almost felt pity for the people who were living the life I once envied. We get to travel the world, experience new cultures and languages, and do things many Americans have never imagined. And beyond that, we have the privilege and honor of joining God in what He is doing here in Ukraine. It nourishes our souls, makes our hearts swell with joy, and fills us with purpose and meaning. The people in the houses we were passing may have been experiencing all that too, but from my experience of American culture, I doubt many of them were.
And
that’s when I realized why the attitude that we need to return to the
United States in order to be safer, or better off, or whatever bothers
me so much. It’s because this mindset assumes that life in the United
States is intrinsically safer and better than life elsewhere. While
there are many material advantages to living in the U.S., mere comfort
and possessions do not automatically make life better. In fact, I would
argue that the rampant materialism that you can find in the United
States actually detracts from the quality of life by creating
dissatisfaction and shallowness. And the idea that life in America is
safer leaves God and faith out of the equation and willfully ignores the
fact that there are no guarantees of peace and safety, no matter where
we live. If nothing else, the events of September 11, 2001 should have
taught Americans that safety is an illusion.
On the surface, living in Ukraine, where there is ongoing armed
conflict, seems more dangerous than living in the United States.
However, we believe that this is where God has called us to be right
now, and given that conviction, we feel safer here than we would if we
were trying to build a more comfortable, less risky life for ourselves
back in the U.S. Of course, we want to be prudent about our family’s
safety, but not at the expense of following God’s will. Ultimately, our
security is in Jesus, and we’re content to let Him lead the way and to
trust His judgment of what is best for us. I’m convinced that this is
the only way to find true peace and safety.
Photo captions: 1) The Ukrainian hryvnia has fallen 300% against the U.S. dollar since the beginning on the current crisis. 2) In times of trouble, we find peace seeking God through His Word and prayer. (Image courtesy of Graur Razvan Ionut at freedigitalphotos.net.) 3) We consider it a joy and a privilege to serve God as a family wherever He calls us.
Note: Please feel free to use this or any of our ANS storiest with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).
Read more
By Sharon T. Markey, Special to ASSIST News Service (Writer's Opinion)
TERNOPIL, UKRAINE (ANS – March 23, 2O15) -- After an
absence of more than two months, we’re settling back into life in
Ukraine. Once every three years or so, we take a two-month family
furlough to the United States. With many traditional furloughs lasting a
year, two months sounds incredibly short to some people, but to us it
feels like a long time to be away from the work God has for us in
Ukraine, which is church planting.However, we’ve found that it’s the shortest possible amount of time in which we can accomplish all we need to do when we visit the States, and we’re so grateful to our ministry team here in Ukraine and the wonderful people of the church who are able to keep things running smoothly while the pastor and his family are away.
When
we returned from furlough this time, people were especially glad to
welcome us back. Given the uncertainty, violence, and economic
instability that have become the new norm for Ukraine, I think some
wondered if we would come back at all. While there has been no fighting
anywhere near where we live, it’s a heavy fact of life that Ukraine is
essentially engaged in a war fought entirely within her own borders.
There are constant reminders.Yesterday in the course of running errands, I saw two notices about how the average Ukrainian could help the war effort. One was posted on a large cardboard box in the grocery store, informing people that they could drop off canned goods to send to the soldiers. The other was in a pharmacy, where they had a list of all the medications they sold that the army needed, so that concerned citizens could buy a few and send them to the troops.
A few nights ago when we went out to eat dinner in a restaurant near our apartment, we were surprised to find an entire dining room taken up by women with traditional Ukrainian headscarves tied around their hair making dumplings. When our server came to take our order, she informed us that we all needed to order the same entree, because the kitchen was busy preparing all these dumplings to send to the soldiers, and there wasn’t much room left to prepare anything else.
Even the conversations you have with casual friends serve as a grim reminder of the country’s difficulties, because allusions to the war are one of the most likely subjects for small talk, right up there with the weather and one’s health. But I should clarify that technically, it’s not a war, since no one has declared war on anybody. It’s actually called the Anti-Terrorist Operation, and the abbreviation ATO has become embedded in colloquial vocabulary.
But war or not, it looks a lot like war. We’re incredibly grateful that our city has been spared the shelling, civilian casualties, and complete destruction of infrastructure that some of the cities in Eastern Ukraine have experienced. It’s heart-wrenching to think of the dire circumstances that many Ukrainians in the east have been facing. From the shelling of residential neighborhoods, to the unavailability of food, to the impossibility of fleeing cities after their public transportation systems have ceased to function, the lives of people in the conflict zones have changed drastically. In many cases, the only relief has come from the efforts of true Christians who are risking their lives to go into these areas to take aid and bring out anyone interested in leaving. Our church and others in our city have been involved in collecting donations of money and clothing for such relief trips.
I’ve never lived in a situation like this before. On the whole, Americans of my generation have led charmed lives. We may have to step outside of our culture to recognize it, but being a citizen of one of the world’s wealthiest nations has distinct advantages, even if you are nowhere near the top of that nation’s social structure. And wealth aside, the United States has not had a war fought on her soil since 1865, when the Civil War ended. In contrast, the territory of modern-day Ukraine has seen a long string of wars during that same time period. Barring the current conflict, the most recent of these was World War II, which claimed the lives of over 8 million Ukrainians, roughly one-fifth of the population at that time. Most of them were civilians.
There
are those living today who remember that nightmare and other tragedies
that have ravaged this country. I can’t conceive what it would be like
to live through something like that. Over the last year as we watched
the events unfold that led to the current situation, a part of my mind
always knew that things could become dangerous, and we might have to
consider evacuation for the sake of our children. But even as my husband
and I discussed what we would do if violence threatened our area, even
as I packed our passports and a few items of sentimental value to be
ready to grab at a moment’s notice, I found it hard to believe that it
would actually come to that. Even admitting that such a thing was a
possibility felt surreal. Our ministry is here; our church family is
here; many dear friends are here; our children’s schools are here—and
the list goes on. The idea of leaving seemed far-fetched, at best.At various times over the last year, a few people have hinted that we should leave Ukraine to return to the United States. These well-meaning individuals believe we would be safer in the U.S. While I appreciate their concern and can see their point of view, I have found this attitude somewhat irritating and frustrating. I’ve never really known how to respond to it, however, because until recently, I couldn’t define why it bothered me.
While we were in the States this past winter, we did a lot of driving. We saw cities and countryside and everything in between. One day, as we were driving through a suburban area, passing all these houses with their yards and proverbial picket fences, I was struck by the enormous contrast between the life my family and I live and the lives represented by these cute homes and well-kept yards. On the one hand, we have uncertainty, no place to call our own, and financial insecurity. On the other hand, they have stability, a place to put down roots, and probable financial security.
I used to covet what they had, hating that we had to move so often, wishing that we didn’t always have to rent apartments, longing to be able to settle in and build a nest somewhere. But as I looked out the window of the car that day, I almost felt pity for the people who were living the life I once envied. We get to travel the world, experience new cultures and languages, and do things many Americans have never imagined. And beyond that, we have the privilege and honor of joining God in what He is doing here in Ukraine. It nourishes our souls, makes our hearts swell with joy, and fills us with purpose and meaning. The people in the houses we were passing may have been experiencing all that too, but from my experience of American culture, I doubt many of them were.
And
that’s when I realized why the attitude that we need to return to the
United States in order to be safer, or better off, or whatever bothers
me so much. It’s because this mindset assumes that life in the United
States is intrinsically safer and better than life elsewhere. While
there are many material advantages to living in the U.S., mere comfort
and possessions do not automatically make life better. In fact, I would
argue that the rampant materialism that you can find in the United
States actually detracts from the quality of life by creating
dissatisfaction and shallowness. And the idea that life in America is
safer leaves God and faith out of the equation and willfully ignores the
fact that there are no guarantees of peace and safety, no matter where
we live. If nothing else, the events of September 11, 2001 should have
taught Americans that safety is an illusion. Photo captions: 1) The Ukrainian hryvnia has fallen 300% against the U.S. dollar since the beginning on the current crisis. 2) In times of trouble, we find peace seeking God through His Word and prayer. (Image courtesy of Graur Razvan Ionut at freedigitalphotos.net.) 3) We consider it a joy and a privilege to serve God as a family wherever He calls us.
Note: Please feel free to use this or any of our ANS storiest with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).
Read more
Manipuri, Ponna of Myanmar (Burma)
Manipuri, Ponna of Myanmar (Burma)
Manipuris are often called the Meitei people. They
like sports and they love to dance. They think of themselves as
descendants of gods because of the Puya, a secret book written in Meitei
script. The Puya says the original Meiteis were created by God in his
likeness. They are made up of seven clans, which can supposedly trace
their written history back to 33 AD. They are mostly Hindu, mixed with
traditional ethnic religions. They pray to spirits for health,
prosperity in farming, and success in cattle production.Ministry Obstacles The worldview of Hinduism/Animism is very different than the worldview presented by the Bible. Older adults especially, will find it difficult to accept such a different view and value system. Outreach Ideas Perhaps indigenous evangelists and church planters will be prompted by God's Spirit to remember the Manipuri/Meitei people of Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh. Pray for facility in the Meitei language for them. Pray for the followers of Christ Please pray for the few followers of Jesus among this tribe in Myanmar, that they will be zealous in their commitment to Christ, and will live holy lives, filled with the Lord's Spirit. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Manipuri will be able to provide adequately for their families. Pray for employment opportunities, and for good crop yields. Scripture Focus "This gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global Prayer Network - Prayer Request
24/03/2015
Dear Dave and church,
'The feeblest knock of faith will open heaven's door.' Mark 5:28IMPORTANT: I ask prayer for healing and recovery for Mr. S. of our orphanage in India. He has been sick for more than a week and has physical pain. Continue to pray for healing and recovery for our son A. from colon cancer. Mr. R.
IMPORTANT: The daughter of my wife's friend, Rosie, might have uterine cancer. She will be tested next week. Pray for God's mercy and healing. Mr. Wayne
For God's blessing, protection and provision for the students and teachers of Zoe Bible College in Angola and Congo, and Sis. H.v.D. who teaches in Jequie, Brazil. Pray also for the schools in Antwerpen (Belgium), and Caslano and Zurich (Switzerland). Each month we send a teacher from the Netherlands. Pray that the students will grow in knowledge and faith and become useful tools in God's Kingdom.
My niece Sara had a brain stroke at a young age. Her speech is affected. She is in hospital now. Pray for her recovery and a miracle of healing. A.J.
My mother (84) has pneumonia, Please pray that she will recover quickly. Mr. J.G.
Pray for Ms. S. and her mother in South Africa, that God will heal the wound well after an intestinal surgery. Mrs. A.K.
Ms. R. was rushed to the hospital and found to have a pulmonary embolism. She asks prayer for a miracle of healing. And for provision in a residence permit for her husband.
Mrs. L.v.D. asks prayer for God's help, a change in her family and a solution for her sons in their difficulties.
Pray for me, my attendant, roommates, family and my mother B. I am in a difficult situation. It is not going well between me and my attendant. Ask God to help me, because I do not experience the presence of the Lord, and do not know what is right anymore. I really need God in my life. Ms. N.B.
I ask prayer for healing of pain in my neck. Mrs. P.
My son is mentally disabled and often has tantrums. He was hospitalized for observation. There he did very well and was allowed to return to his home group. Now it goes wrong again. His head is full and runs over. Pray for healing and deliverance for my son B. Mrs. v/d L.
For my friend R. that she will fully serve the Lord, along with her family. That the Lord will protect them and their home. Mrs. A.K.
Mrs. V.B. is thankful for God's provision that she is getting support from an authority in her financial affairs. Pray that God will strengthen her while she is applying for a job.
Egypt: Pray for God's strength and provision for two detained Christians. A well-known human rights lawyer is, after her conversion, fired from her job and disowned by her family. An activist, who has shared her faith in public, has been repeatedly harassed by government officials and slandered by extremist groups. VOM Contact
Lately I am so tired. At night I am broken. Pray for me, for new strength. Mrs. v/d L.
I have watched the encourageing sermon on television (SBS6). I request you to pray for God's help in my marital problems. Mrs. v.A.
I ask prayer for conversion of my neighbor J., who is always responding angry to me. Mrs. A.
Pray for the families and for all who experienced the attacks in Pakistan. They are scared and traumatized. Pray for healing and recovery for the dozens wounded. The church is currently very fragile and the situation in the country is tense. Pray that peace returns in the conversations that take place with the government. Open Doors
PRAYING HELPS! My youngest son has stopped using hard drugs. Thank you for your prayers! PRAY for my husband and other children who are all addicted to drugs and alcohol. For John, Maikel, Niels and Sven. Mrs. D.M.
The Blessing Family Message Station
NEW, MODERN AND SUPER FAST!
Listen non-stop to the faith-building messages of anointed preachers with singing, music and special prayer. Choose your own language, preacher and topic. Listen, download, like it, put in your favorites, share with others and much more! Pray and thank God that this station will reach many people in places where little or nothing of the Gospel is found and where people are on their own. Tune in at www.maasbachradio.com
We wish you a very blessed week!
The team of Global Prayer Network
Dhobi, Muslim of Pakistan
Dhobi, Muslim of Pakistan
The Dhobi are a large collective community of India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. They derive their name from the
Sanskrit term dahv which means 'wash'. The Dhobi are traditionally the
clothes washers. They are a scheduled caste in many of the states of
India, where the majority of the Dhobi live. Most Dhobi are Hindu, and a
majority of the Muslim Dhobi lives in Pakistan. In general, the
attitude of the Dhobi toward education is quite good and literacy in
some locations is higher than in other Muslim communities. The Dhobi in
Pakistan are strongly Muslim.Ministry Obstacles Christian workers are few in Pakistan, and spiritual opposition is great. Outreach Ideas Since education is valued highly by the Muslim Dhobi, perhaps the Lord can use education as a means to bringing many Muslim Dhobi to faith. Pray for the followers of Christ There are no reported Christians among the Dhobi of Pakistan. However, please pray that the Lord is now preparing teachers and shepherds for the many Dhobi who will soon come to Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Dhobi people will continue to value education and provide good schooling for their children. Scripture Focus "I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations ... Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth." Psalm 57:9-11 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Senin, 23 Maret 2015
President Obama Again Demands Iran
President Obama Again Demands Iran Release Imprisoned American Pastor Saeed Abedini
By Jeremy Reynalds, Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service (jeremyreynalds@gmail.com)
WASHINGTON D.C. (ANS. March 21, 2015) -- President Obama has again called for American Pastor Saeed Abedini's release from an Iranian prison.
Abedini has been imprisoned in Iran for nearly two-and-a-half years because of his Christian faith.
A story by Jay Sekulow for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) said President Obama's statement comes during the Iranian holiday of Nowruz. As part of its celebration of the new year, Iran often gives a reprieve or even frees some prisoners.
President Obama said, “The spirit of family is deeply woven into all of the rich cultural traditions of the Nowruz holiday. It is a time for reuniting and rejoicing with loved ones and sharing hopes for the new year. Today, as families across the world gather to mark this holiday, we remember those American families who are enduring painful separations from their loved ones who are imprisoned or went missing in Iran.”
He continued, “(Abedini) must be returned to his wife and two young children, who needlessly continue to grow up without their father. . . .”
President Obama said he is committed to bringing American citizens home.
He said, “(I) call on the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately release Saeed Abedini, Amir Hekmati and Jason Rezaian, and to work cooperatively with us to find Robert Levinson so that they all can be safely reunited with their families as soon as possible.”
The ACLJ said it joins with the President in urging Iran to free Abedini and the other imprisoned or missing Americans.
Abedini has not committed any crime, the ACLJ said.
The story continued, “Pastor Saeed ... remains imprisoned - suffering immensely from injuries sustained in prison beatings - for his Christians faith. This week, for the third straight year, Pastor Saeed was forced to miss his son Jacob's birthday. He deserves to be free. He deserves to be home in America with his family.”
The
ACLJ said it appreciates President Obama’s support, adding that
engagement such as this continues to put pressure on Iran to release
Adedini.
Sekulow, the chief counsel for the ACLJ said in his article, “We urge the Obama Administration, as it literally sits across the negotiating table from Iran, to do all within its power to bring Pastor Saeed home. No American should be left behind to suffer unjustly in an Iranian prison simply because of his Christian faith. It is time for Iran to comply with its international obligations to respect human rights and free Pastor Saeed.”
The ACLJ represents Abedini’s wife Naghmeh, and their two young children.
For more information visit www.BeHeard.com
Photo captions: 1) Rebekka and Jacob Abedini. 2) A protest on behalf of Saeed Abedini. 3) Naghmeh and Saeed during happier times.
Note: Please feel free to re-publish this and any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnew.net) Read more
By Jeremy Reynalds, Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service (jeremyreynalds@gmail.com)
WASHINGTON D.C. (ANS. March 21, 2015) -- President Obama has again called for American Pastor Saeed Abedini's release from an Iranian prison.
Abedini has been imprisoned in Iran for nearly two-and-a-half years because of his Christian faith.A story by Jay Sekulow for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) said President Obama's statement comes during the Iranian holiday of Nowruz. As part of its celebration of the new year, Iran often gives a reprieve or even frees some prisoners.
President Obama said, “The spirit of family is deeply woven into all of the rich cultural traditions of the Nowruz holiday. It is a time for reuniting and rejoicing with loved ones and sharing hopes for the new year. Today, as families across the world gather to mark this holiday, we remember those American families who are enduring painful separations from their loved ones who are imprisoned or went missing in Iran.”
He continued, “(Abedini) must be returned to his wife and two young children, who needlessly continue to grow up without their father. . . .”
President Obama said he is committed to bringing American citizens home.He said, “(I) call on the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately release Saeed Abedini, Amir Hekmati and Jason Rezaian, and to work cooperatively with us to find Robert Levinson so that they all can be safely reunited with their families as soon as possible.”
The ACLJ said it joins with the President in urging Iran to free Abedini and the other imprisoned or missing Americans.
Abedini has not committed any crime, the ACLJ said.
The story continued, “Pastor Saeed ... remains imprisoned - suffering immensely from injuries sustained in prison beatings - for his Christians faith. This week, for the third straight year, Pastor Saeed was forced to miss his son Jacob's birthday. He deserves to be free. He deserves to be home in America with his family.”
The
ACLJ said it appreciates President Obama’s support, adding that
engagement such as this continues to put pressure on Iran to release
Adedini.Sekulow, the chief counsel for the ACLJ said in his article, “We urge the Obama Administration, as it literally sits across the negotiating table from Iran, to do all within its power to bring Pastor Saeed home. No American should be left behind to suffer unjustly in an Iranian prison simply because of his Christian faith. It is time for Iran to comply with its international obligations to respect human rights and free Pastor Saeed.”
The ACLJ represents Abedini’s wife Naghmeh, and their two young children.
For more information visit www.BeHeard.com
Photo captions: 1) Rebekka and Jacob Abedini. 2) A protest on behalf of Saeed Abedini. 3) Naghmeh and Saeed during happier times.
Note: Please feel free to re-publish this and any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnew.net) Read more
Duri of Indonesia
Duri of Indonesia
The Duri area consists of 17 villages spread among
the districts of Baraka, Alla, and Anggareja. This area is close to a
major road which is passable by automobiles. Social status is determined
by education and/or wealth. Wealth is measured in terms of ownership of
water buffalos, land, gold, and houses. Generally, those who are
educated move to the city. The Duri are very open-minded toward
education and other things that can raise their standard of living.
Almost all Duri are Muslim, combining traditional animistic beliefs with
Islam. This can be seen from their awe of facing spiritual powers. They
trust in a dukun (shaman, healer or occultist) to heal sicknesses and
cast out evil spirits. A small number of Duri still identify themselves
as animists who practice Alu' Tojolo.Ministry Obstacles Spiritual opposition will surely be present whenever Jesus is presented to a person or to a tribe. Workers need to be prepared for this. Outreach Ideas A Christian minority is found in the villages of Baroko and Benteng Alla, at the border of Toraja. Pray they will join with neighboring Christians in other people groups to reach their communities. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray the Christians in this group will be able to withstand pressure to renounce their faith and, instead, will grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Pray for the entire people group The Duri need improved means of transporting crops to market. The sale of dangke cheese could be expanded through industrial processing and more attractive packaging. In addition, improved health and nutrition for children needs attention. Scripture Focus "And those who lead many to righteousness [will shine] like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)