News and Prayer for the Persecuted

News and Prayer for the Persecuted

Pastor in North Khartoum, Sudan Arrested Without Charges 3/17/2016 Sudan (Morning Star News)  Sudanese intelligence officials continue their crackdown on Christian pastors in 2016 and arrested the fourth indigenous church leader in the past four months. Hassan Abdelrahim stands as the latest, detained on March 14, released and then re-arrested the next day and being held without charge. Telal Nogossi Rata and Hassan Taour are two pastors already sitting in Sudanese jail for more than 75 days for their faith in Christ. Sudan's hubris in shirking international human rights presses on after they released pastors Yat Michael and Peter Yein Reith in August 2015 who the state charged with espionage, which could have carried the death penalty. Full Story Pray for the speedy and safe release of Pastor Hassan, as well as Pastor Telal Nogossi Rata and Pastor Hassan Taour. Pray that the government of Sudan will uphold their constitution's law of religious freedom and free those being held for their faith. Pray that ICC's petition calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Pastor Telal Nogossi Rata and Pastor Hassan Taour will be successful.

Kerry Declares Genocide Happening After Groups Apply Pressure 3/17/2016 Washington D.C. (CNN) After an inundation of articles and indictments against Secretary Kerry and the Obama Administration for stating they would NOT declare genocide against Christians and minorities in Iraq and Syria, Secretary Kerry was forced to make the declaration today as scheduled.  The State Department's announcement join a chorus of top leaders throughout the world and echoes the unanimous US House of Representatives Resolution.  ICC's advocacy department has worked with lawmakers and human rights groups to apply pressure on the Administration. This is a great step in ensuring the protection of Christians, Yazidis, and other religious minorities who have been cleansed from their communities by the Islamic State (ISIS). Kerry showed leadership in asserting this declaration.    Full Story Praise God that the United States has determined that ISIS' action against the Yazidis and other minority groups in Iraq and Syria constitutes genocide. Pray that the resolution will but put pressure on the Obama administration to take more aggressive military action against ISIS.  Pray that the Obama administration and all those in power would execute justice by honoring and protecting those who live decently and productively and punishing those who do wrong are the fundamental duties of the state (Rom. 13:3-4; 1 Pet. 2:14).

North Korea Sentences American Student to 15 Years Hard Labor 3/16/2016 North Korea (Asia News)  It is no surprise the North Korean regime has sentenced American student Otto Warmbier to 15 years hard labor for his alleged "hostile acts" against the state. It is a common theme for North Korea to arrest American and other foreign visitors, charge them with subverting the state in some manner, and sentencing them to prison in the hope of receiving aid and monetary compensation for their release.It is possible North Korea is attempting to create a pattern of Christians acting against the state as previous and current known prisoners are either pastors or missionaries such as Pastor Hyeon-Soo Lim of Toronto, Canada.  Full Story Pray for the swift and safe release of Otto Warmbier.  Pray for God's peace to cover Warmbier and his family; pray for God's presence to surround him.  Pray for the more than 50,000 to 70,000 Christians who remain in North Korean prison camps.

Largest ever Church in Guangzhou, China to Open after 10 Years of Construction 3/15/2016 China (China Christian Daily) The largest ever church in Guangzhou will finally open after ten years of construction. the presence of the building will be one of many different functions, but its main purpose will be to teach and nurture the Christian community. At a time where church crosses are being forcibly demolished in Zhejiang province hearing the news of the grand opening to the Tianhe church brings about some happy news. While its completion is by no means an assurance of better relations between Beijing and the Christian community, it does provide some semblance of a brighter future.   Full Story Praise God for the reopening of Tiane church in Guangzhou after ten years of construction! Pray that the reopening of the church will bring new hope and comfort those Christians in Guangzhou and across China. Pray that the opening of the church will represent and bring forth improved relationships between Beijing and the Christian community.

Christians in Pakistan Call for Sainthood for Martyr of Youhanabad Church Bombings 3/14/2016 Pakistan (UCAN)  As thousands of Christians in Pakistan remembered the bombings of St. John Catholic Church and Christ Church, calls for Akash Bashir to be canonized as a saint could be heard. Last year, March 15, the two churches in the predominately Christian neighborhood of Youhanabad were attacked by suicide bombers attached to the Pakistani Taliban. Bashir, a young security volunteer at St. John Catholic Church, subdued one of the suicide bombers and prevented him from entering the church. As a result, Bashir was killed with the bomber outside the church when the bomber detonated his vest. Many in Youhanabad remember Bashir as a hero and are calling for him to be sainted by the Catholic Church.  Full Story  Praise God for Akash Bashir who sacrificed his life for his brothers and sisters in Christ by preventing the bomb attack in Youhanabad. Pray for the continual healing of those injured during this attack. Pray that the Church would not forget Bashir and honor him correctly for the sacrifice of his life.

Starvation Plagues Northern Nigeria as Boko Haram leaves Wasteland in their Wake 3/12/2016 Nigeria (New York Times)  Boko Haram has been the thorn in Nigeria's proverbial side for years, placing the nation in a constant state of fear. For Christians in the region, that fear is exponentially greater than non-Christians as Boko Haram systematically targets Christian communities through rape, kidnapping, and murder. Due to the years of fighting and terror in the north, the region has become somewhat of a wasteland. Crops and other methods of sustenance have lost its ability to grow and thrive placing the remaining population in dire need for food and support. Making matters worse, rainfall is little, temperatures are high, and the "lean season" is upon them.  Full Story Praise God for the continuous success of Nigeria's military in the fight against the insurgency. Pray that God will help the Nigerian government establish and strengthen systems that will tackle corruption in Nigeria. Pray for the thousands of Christians who have been displaced and are facing starvation by Boko Haram; pray that God will provide miraculous provision for the hungry and poor.