British Muslims Condemn Savage Attack and Slaughter

British Muslims Condemn Savage Attack and Slaughter
Christian and Muslim leaders issue joint statement following attack in Woolwich

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service
LONDON (ANS) -- Leaders of Britain's 2.8 million Muslims reacted with horror and anger following Wednesday's (May 22) slaughter with knives and machetes of an off-duty British soldier in the streets outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in south London.

Slain soldier Lee Rigby

According to a story by Trevor Grundy for the Religion News Service (RNS), a statement from the Muslim Council of Britain condemned the slaughter of the soldier by two men - both believed to be Christian converts to Islam - as "a barbaric act that has no basis in Islam and which we condemn unreservedly."Abdullah al Andalusi, a spokesman for the Muslim Debate Initiative, which brings together Islamic scholars and researchers in the U.K., said, "These people claimed they killed the soldier in the name of protecting others from UK foreign policy. But if what they claim is true, they have acted no differently from the crimes they claim they wish to see stopped."
The slain soldier was Drummer Lee Rigby, 25, of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Every major British newspaper carried graphic photos of one of the suspects, identified as 28-year old Michael Adebolajo, waving a butcher's cleaver, his hands soaked in blood, following the attack.
RNS said media reports indicate his Nigerian-born parents moved him to London at age 15 to get him away from Islamic fundamentalists. A report in Thursday's London Evening Standard said that he had been raised as a Christian but had converted to Islam.
"They have done a cowardly, barbaric act," said Imam Ajmal Masroor of the Islamic Society of Britain. "They have insulted God and Islam. They are low vile scum. We, the British, will remain together resolute and strong."
RNS said Prime Minister David Cameron, who cut short a visit to Paris when he heard the news of the horrendous slaughter, said the nation remains "resolute" in the face of the attacks. However, he also tried to prevent a backlash of anti-Muslim violence that has already resulted in attacks on at least two mosques.
"We will never give in to terrorism in any of its forms," RNS reported he said. "This was not just an attack on Britain and on the British way of life. It was also a betrayal of Islam and of the Muslim communities who give so much to this country. There is nothing in Islam that justified this dre adful act."
RNS said a prominent Muslim in the city of Leicester told the news service that that he and his community are "extremely worried" about right-wing reaction to the slaughter in London.
"This could fuel the anger of organizations like the English Defense League and the British National Party," he said, requesting anonymity because he feared for his safety.
He added, "The EDL last night had over 250 of its supporters wearing white balaclavas near the scene of the murder. They were shouting anti-Islamic slogans."
RNS said EDL leader Tommy Robinson told reporters, "They've cut off one of our army's (soldier's) heads in the streets of London. Our next generation are being taught in schools that Islam is a religion of peace. It never has been. What you saw today is Islam."
Joint Statement of Condemnation
Christian and Muslim leaders in Sheffield issued a joint statement following the attack.

A news release from the Diocese of Sheffield said, "As Christian and Muslim leaders in Sheffield, we condemn in the strongest possible terms the dreadful murder that has taken place in Woolwich.

"Eyewitnesses suggest that the murderers made Islamic slogans during their terrible deed and were thus motivated by their Islamic faith. This appalling action has no basis whatever in Islam and is to be condemned unreservedly."

The news release said the signatories' thoughts were with the soldier and his family. "Muslims have long served in our country's Armed Forces, proudly and with honour. This attack on a member of the Armed Forces is despicable and no cause can justify such a murder."

The statement continued, "We call on all our communities, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, to come together in solidarity to ensure that the forces of hatred do not prevail. And it is important that we support the police in their peacekeeping work at this time of tension."

The statement was signed by Rt. Rev. Dr. Steven Croft, Bishop of Sheffield, Rt. Rev. John Raw sthorne, Bishop of Hallam, the Rev. Vernon Marsh Chair of Methodist District, Mohammad Ali, Imam Mohammad Ismail, Imam Pro Sleem Akhtar, Imam M. Aslam Zahid, Imam Abu Saeed Kamali, Abdurrezak Bougara and Imam M. Ali.

American Pastor Saeed Abedini Thrown into Solitary Confinement in Iran

American Pastor Saeed Abedini Thrown into Solitary Confinement in Iran; Health Deteriorating

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service
WASHINGTON D.C. (ANS) -- Already badly weakened by months of beatings and torture that have resulted in internal bleeding, American Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen, is facing perhaps his most difficult challenge since his imprisonment last fall.

Saeed Abedini

According to a story by Jordan Sekulow for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), family members in Iran confirm that Abedini, along with nine other prisoners, has been placed in solitary confinement.The ACLJ said new reports indicate that in addition to the severe internal bleeding he is experiencing, which has gone untreated, he is now facing issues with his kidneys.
The ACLJ said it has confirmed that awful conditions in Evin Prison led Abedini and a number of prisoners in Ward 350 to sign a letter expressing to prison officials their concern about the lack of medical care received, and the threats and harsh treatment facing family members who come to visit.
The prisoners expressed their dissatisfaction in a peaceful, silent protest in an outside courtyard at the prison.
The ACLJ said that apparently prompted prison officials to retaliate, selecting ten of the prisoners and placing them in solitary confinement. The ACLJ said its sources indicate that Abedini is likely to be beaten again, in pr ivate, away from other witnesses and prisoners.
At the same time, the ACLJ said, there's concern that his kidneys are no longer operating properly, the result of the internal injuries he has received over many months. Abedini has been told not to expect medical treatment or care for many months.
When family members showed up at prison to visit Abedini, the ACLJ said they were turned away and told he is no longer permitted to have visitors.
This latest development is causing enormous concern to Abedini's wife Naghmeh.
"Saeed has internal bleeding and now issues with his kidneys because of the beatings," the ACLJ reported Naghmeh said. "We believe that he is being beaten in solitary confinement. We have no way of finding out about his health. There will be no more visitations allowed and we will have no way of knowing how Saeed is doing."
She added, "Saeed had previously told his family that when he was in solitary confinement in the past, that was the hardest time in his life.. That every hour was lik e one year and that he was losing his memory and his health was deteriorating quickly. Please pray for his health and healing. Pray for his release. Pray that the Lord would use this for His glory and salvation of many."
The ACLJ said it spoke with a former Iranian political prisoner, who spent 15 years in Iranian prisons, including some time at Evin, about Abedini's solitary confinement.
He told the ACLJ, "Saeed was most likely on a list of prisoners the prison wants to break."
He explained that the prison officials keep a list of prisoners who have stood their ground refusing to recant their faith or confess to their crimes.
"Prison officers use any prison resistance, regardless of whether the prisoner was involved in the resistance, to target and break those prisoners on their list," the ACLJ reported he said. "They took Saeed to solitary confinement to put pressure on his belief and faith. This shows that Saeed has stood strong for his faith."
The ACLJ commented, "The latest developments un derscore the brutality of Iran's continued violation of human rights - imprisoning, torturing, and refusing medical care for Pastor Saeed merely because of his faith. This treatment not only violates international law, but is abhorrent."
The ACLJ said Abedini will be 33 on May 7.
The ACLJ said more than 42,000 people already have sent Abedini a birthday greeting - letters the ACLJ said it is personally delivering to Evin Prison.
The ACLJ commented, "Letters of prayer, support and encouragement. They are needed now more than ever. Please take a moment, if you haven't done so already, and send a letter to Pastor Saeed today."
For more information go to http://savesaeed.org

Trying to Save Saeed

Trying to Save Saeed

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service
BOISE, IDAHO (ANS) -- Saeed Abedini is in a battle for his life.

Saeed Abedini and his family

According to an article by Katy Moeller for the Idaho Statesman, the 32-year-old has languished in Iran's notorious Evin Prison for more than 200 days. He was convicted of "threatening the national security of Iran" for his involvement in Christian home churches from 2000 to 2005.His parents are allowed to visit him weekly, and they say he's enduring beatings and other torture. He has suffered internal bleeding and needs medical treatment, according to the American Center for Law and Justice.
Tiffany N. Barrans, international legal director for the nonprofit advocacy center, said it has petitioned to have the Red Cross come in as a third party to treat him.
"That has not been granted by the Iranian authorities," the Idaho Statesman reported Barrans said.
Saeed, a Boise resident with his wife and two children since 2006, was in Iran doing humanitarian work when he was imprisoned in September. In January, he was sentenced to eight years in prison.
The Idaho Statesman said Saeed has told authorities that if he is freed, he will leave Iran and never return, Barrans said. That didn't help his case.
As hopeless as the situation appears, Barrans said there's reason to be optimistic about his release. A decision on Saeed's appeal is pending.
"It gives the Iranian government an out, to save face," the Idaho Statesman reported Barrans said of the possibility that his sentence will be overturned. "They want to look like a country that is following the rule of law."
It's important to get Saeed released before Iran's elections in June.
"During and around those elections, the Iranian government is not going to want to release anyone who is seen as oppositional," the Idaho Statesman reported Barrans said.
Barrans said the key to Saeed's safe release is pressure from other countries - particularly those that have ties to Iran, including Qatar, Italy, Argentina and Brazil.
The Idaho Statesman said the American Center for Law and Justice is seeking support from those nations, and the group hopes the U.S. State D epartment is doing the same behind the scenes.
One positive new development, Barrans said, is that human rights groups within Iran haven taken up Saeed's cause.
"If there is enough stir in Iran - in their media and social media - it may cause unrest," Barrans said. "They may decide it's not worth the unrest during their elections, if this one man's case could disrupt that peace."
Keeping the Pressure On
The Idaho Statesman said more than half a million people have signed an online petition calling for Saeed's release.
Friends at his church in Boise are doing what they can to help.
"We have a constant flow of letters going to Iran, so they know he's not forgotten," said Rhett Allen, assistant director of children's ministry at Boise's Calvary Chapel.
Some of those letters have been written by children from the church, he said. The church is selling neon yellow "Save Saeed" T-shirts for $20 at its bookstore.
"We're exercising every resource that w e have," the Idaho Statesman reported Allen said. "We serve a good God, and we know he can do miracles."
Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, is doing a lot of public speaking, hoping to keep her husband's plight in the public eye.
The Idaho Statesman said a regular on Fox News, she tries to limit travel outside the state to just once a month so that she's not away from the couple's two children, ages 6 and 5.
Naghmeh said most of the money raised on her family's behalf has gone to others who need it more. She said she's sent it to a group of Christian families - associated with her husband - who fled from Iran to Turkey.
"I feel responsible for them," she said.
Raised in Idaho, Married in Iran
Naghmeh (Panahi) Abedini, 36, was born in Iran but grew up in the Treasure Valley.
The Idaho Statesman said her family fled during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. Today, her father runs a user-interface manufacturing company called PKG User Interface Solutions in Meridian.& nbsp;
Naghmeh graduated from Centennial High School in 1995, and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Puget Sound. She had her sights set on medical school.
Through Calvary Chapel, the Idaho Statesman said, she did some missionary work in her 20s, including a trip to India, and felt God calling her to do the same in her native Iran.
Her parents were stunned at her decision.
"They felt I was going backward. 'We brought you here so you could flourish as a woman and be a doctor,'" she recalled.
The Idaho Statesman said she comes from a well-educated, high-achieving family. Her twin brother earned a doctorate in quantum physics from the University of Chicago.
Naghmeh went to Iran in late 2001 and met Saeed at a Christian gathering in 2002. They had a Christian wedding in Iran in 2004.
The Idaho Statesman said persecution of Christians intensified after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected president, and they decided in 2005 that it was time to move to Idaho. Naghmeh was pregnant with th eir first child.
The couple live at Naghmeh's parents' house in West Boise. An ordained pastor, Saeed participated in Christian ministry in Iran via Skype.
In 2009, the Idaho Statesman said, Saeed and his family visited Iran. He was detained at the airport on their way home. He was interrogated every day for two months about his activities with the home churches.
The Idaho Statesman said Iranian officials warned him to stop his involvement with the home churches. However, they said he could do nonreligious humanitarian work and continue to travel back and forth between Iran and the U.S., Naghmeh said.
From 2009 to 2012, Naghmeh said, Saeed complied with the Iranian government's demands. Last summer, he was in Iran to build an orphanage on family land in the city of Rasht near the Caspian Sea.
"It was a big surprise when he was arrested," the Idaho statesman reported Naghmeh said.
Wife Warned Not to Go to Iran
Until he was imprisoned, Saeed was able to talk to his wife and children via Skype and telephone.
The Idaho Statesman reported Naghmeh said her first instinct was to go to Iran to be there for her husband. Officials warned her in-laws against that.
"They said, 'If she sets foot in this airport, she's going straight to prison,'" the Idaho Statesman reported Naghmeh said.
That's because she's a Muslim who converted to Christianity and was involved in Christian house churches in Iran with her husband years ago, she said.

Nephew Says Kidnapped Bishop Would Want Christians to Stay in Syria When Possible

Nephew Says Kidnapped Bishop Would Want Christians to Stay in Syria When Possible

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service
SYRIA (ANS) -- The nephew of Bishop Yohanna Ibrahim, one of the two archbishops kidnapped in Syria on Monday, said he hopes Syrian Christians will not use the incident as a reason to flee the country.
According to a story by World Watch Monitor, Jamil Diarbakerli, who represents the Assyrian Democratic Organisation (which petitions for the rights of the Assyrian minority) said Bishop Ibrahim, head of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Aleppo, was kidnapped on Monday, alongside his counterpart from the Greek Orthodox Church, Bishop Boulos Yaziji.
They were traveling to the Turkish border hoping to secure the freedom of two priests kidnapped in February. They were Michel Kayyal, an Armenian Catholic and Maher Mahfous, a Greek Orthodox.
World Watch Monitor said the driver of the vehicle, Fathallah Kaboud, was later killed, although Diarbakerli said he learned from church sources in Syria that the shooting took place in another part of the city after Kaboud had driven to inform the bishop's office of the kidnaping.
Kaboud had been the personal chauffeur of Bishop Ibrahim for a number of years. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
World Watch Monitor said a fourth passenger escaped, but his identity remains unknown.
Reports on Tuesday claimed the bishops had been released, but these were later refuted by church officials.
World Watch Monitor said this latest kidnapping comes a week after Bishop Ibrahim told the BBC that there has been no targeting of Christians in Syria during the rebel uprising. 
However, on April 17, Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarch Gregory III Laham told the press that more than 1,000 Syrian Christians have been killed and 20 churches destroyed.
World Watch Monitor said the bishop's nephew acknowledged that "there are parts of Syria where there is persecution of Christians." However, he said he believes his uncle's desire is for Syrian Christians to remain in the country, wherever possible.
"Things can change dramatically after the kidnapping of two important Christian leaders, but even though there is a war in Aleppo, the two bishops stayed and want their people to do the same - not to leave the country, not to empty Syria of Christians," he said.
World Watch Monitor reported Diarbakerli said the latest kidnapping has increased tensions between Muslims and Christians in Syria, but he is hopeful a resolution will calm things down.
"I don't want the perpetrators to win by using the archbishop as a weapon for religious and sectarian violence," he said. "I hope that all of Syria will cooperate to immediately find and release the bishops, because these kind of acts shall not serve any part of the conflict."

Amazon Indians suffer ill effects from pollution

By Mark Ellis

Shipibo woman in her home

The Shipibo people once lived in a pristine environment in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, with clean drinking water from fresh water streams, abundant fish in their rivers, and fertile soil for planting. But recently, mysterious ailments have been plaguing their people that may be related to environmental concerns.
“Oil pipelines in their territory have broken several times, so they have oil all around,” says Dr. Dale Kietzman, founder of Latin American Indian Ministries (LAIM). “There is also mercury in the rivers from gold mining.”

LAIM has been training pastors among the Shipibo, as well as responding to requests for practical assistance. Recently LAIM sent a professor to analyze their water and design a treatment system for the Shipibo.
“There is a sickness in their community, with young children dying and the villages suffering,” Dr. Kietzman says.
The pollution problem has intensified in the last decade. “Just in the last 4 years there have been seven oil spills in the indigenous territory of Canaan, from using old, rusted pipelines which destroy the water, land, health and vegetation of the area,” Dr. Kietzman notes. “The community now has to travel up to 3 hours to find non-contaminated sources of fish, and can no longer hunt or grow food on their now contaminated land.”
Dr. Kietzman blames an unhealthy alliance between business and government. “The government has allowed it because it’s profitable for the government,” he notes.  “The people of Canaan are forced to drink out of the oil-contaminated river. As a result, there has been a huge increase in deaths in the village, from unknown illnesses that local doctors cannot treat or diagnose.”
“Many oil companies operating in the Amazon have a long history of exploiting indigenous peoples and their lands, while making unfulfilled promises of schools for their children, jobs, and money,” he adds. “Instead, they leave social and environmental destruction in their wake, believing that no one is paying attention.”

Missionary Homes Lost in Latest Round of Nigerian Attacks

Missionary Homes Lost in Latest Round of Nigerian Attacks

April 19, 2013
Terrorists set fire Friday to the homes/mission bases of three missionary families working with Christian Aid-supported Missionary Crusaders Ministries in Nigeria. Ministry leader, Gabriel Barau, sent this urgent report:

“One of our fields was attacked. I do not have all of the details, but some of our buildings were set on fire, leaving our missionaries without accommodation. We have to move them now to safer villages and build some kind of shelter for them.”
“In as much as our missionaries remain committed to sharing Christ with the unreached, we need your prayers and support. The attack occurred at a new field, and we do not want our missionaries to get discouraged. They made a number of converts there whom they were discipling.”

A mission base burned by Christian persecutors, representative of recent terrorist attacks in Nigeria. (Christian Aid file photo)

Barau asks for resources to move the three affected missionary families, now homeless, to a safer location. Each simple home, which doubles as a place for cell group meetings and discipleship of new converts, costs $3,500. The need is especially urgent now as the rainy season is about to begin and will halt construction.
The missionary families have been temporarily moved to the ministry’s school of missions until shelters can be built for them.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the fires, the militant Islamist group Boko Haram is suspected of involvement. Isolated attacks against Christians and law enforcement have continued despite the declaration of a ceasefire in January.
Since 1983, Barau has trained and sent out missionaries to share Christ with the unreached of Nigeria. Today, 183 workers are planting churches and discipling converts. Many of their mission fields are located in the country’s Muslim northern region, where the majority of Boko Haram attacks have occurred.
One of the ministry’s ongoing needs has been a new headquarters office in a safe location. The current office, which the ministry has rented for 20 years, is located in a very dangerous region that has experienced a high frequency of Boko Haram attacks.
With help from Christian Aid, the new headquarters is now partly completed. An amount of $30,000 will provide roofing, plumbing, and electrical work. The ministry plans to move into this office as soon as the roofing is completed.
Prayer requests:

• For protection for believers in Nigeria as they courageously share their faith in the midst of opposition and hostility
• For wisdom for Gabriel Barau as he leads the work of Missionary Crusaders Ministries
• That terrorized Nigerians will experience a return to peace in their homeland

Use the form below to support indigenous ministries in Nigeria. Or call us at 434-977-5650 to contribute by phone. If you prefer to mail your gift, please mail to Christian Aid, P.O. Box 9037, Charlottesville, VA 22906. Please use Gift Code: 550MCM. Thank you!

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Attack in Nigeria that Killed 18 Christians, Caps Two Years of Islamic Aggression

Attack in Nigeria that Killed 18 Christians, Caps Two Years of Islamic Aggression
Muslim Fulani herdsmen suspected in another deadly assault in the area

By Dan Wooding, who was born in Nigeria
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
MILE BAKWAI, NIGERIA (ANS) -- Morning Star News (http://morningstarnews.org) is reporting that an attack in Nigeria that killed 18 Christians has capped two years of Islamic aggression. It says that Muslim Fulani herdsmen are suspected in another deadly assault in the area.

Farmer Hosea Mashaf rushed from a neighboring village to aid Christians under attack (Morning Star News photo)

The news agency's Nigeria correspondent wrote that Hosea Mashaf was resting in his village of Chirang Mangor, Nigeria, when area Christian youths told him that armed, Muslim Fulani herdsmen were attacking the Christian village of Mile Bakwai. The 45-year-old farmer and other Christians rushed to Mile Bakwai, three kilometers away in the Bokkos Local Council Area of Plateau State, the night of March 27 to see how they might aid the Christians there, he told Morning Star News.
"When we got there, the gunmen had already retreated," Mashaf said. "I saw dead bodies scattered all over the village. I counted the dead bodies we recovered, and in all we had 18 Christians who were killed by the Muslim attackers."
They found five of those bodies in a minibus, he said.
"They were travelling in a bus back to our village when they ran into the attack going on at Mile Bakwai village," Mashaf said. "They were killed by the attackers when they shot at the bus, which crashed into a building, but the attackers went to the place where the bus was and shot the occupants. Five of them were killed, while two others were injured."

Fulani herdsmen on the rampage

Dead were Geofrey Mafuyai, 35; Mahana Jamok, 50; Arandon Yusuf, 18; Dung Dalyop, 38; and, Mbata Machif, 36. Maju Mahana, 25, and Nanle Enoch, 18 were wounded and received treatment at the ECWA Evangel Hospital in Jos, he said. The 18 slain were members of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Christ Apostolic Church and Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) congregations, sources said. The Rev. James Danladi Mahwash of the Bishara Baptist Church in Mile Bakwai village said five of his church members were killed, including the financial secretary of the Men's Missionary Union of his church, 25-year-old Jamle Benjamin Sunday.
"At about 8 p.m. the attackers, all Muslim Fulani herdsmen, came into this village in two separate groups, attacking us from two different directions, and shooting down anyone they saw," he said. "They came from the northwestern end of the village, and then separated into two groups with one of the groups attacking from the western end, while the second group attacked from the eastern end."

The Rev. James Danladi Mahwash baptizing Jamle Benjamin Sunday, who was killed in the attack in Mile Bakwai, Nigeria (Morning Star News photo)

The Morning Star Nigerian correspondent continued by saying that besides Sunday, Mahwash said, among those killed were Kokiwo Malo, 65; Maren Galadima, 18; Gambo Geofrey Mafuyai, 45; Adamu Maren, 55; Zoron Adamu, 10; Maren Garba, 20; Danladi Mangar, 20; Joel Peter, 20; Boaz Masara, 20; Oge Emeka, 5; and one identified only as Jang from the neighboring village of Kunet. The assailants also burned the houses of three Christians - Malo Kabu, Marion Bitrus and Mapu Daniel - in Mile Bakwai, "Seventh Mile" in the Hausa language as it is about seven miles from the main mining camp at Tenti village. Mile Bakwai is a former mining camp in the rocky hills of the Jos Plateau, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Jos.
In several previous attacks, the herdsmen robbed the 150-member church of about 211,000 naira (US$1315), Mahwash added.
"We believe that our attackers are Muslim Fulani herdsmen," he said. "We know they have been attacking Christian communities in rural areas across central Nigerian states. We are not happy about this and feel that the Nigerian government has to do something urgently to curtail these attacks in order to save lives and restore peace in the northern part of this country."
More Than 100 Slain
The correspondent went on to say that ethnic Fulani Muslims are believed to have the backing of Islamic extremist groups in attacks on Christian areas in central and northern Nigeria. The Rev. Barnabas Kebang, chairman of the Bokkos Regional Church Council of COCIN, said the attack on Mile Bakwai was one of numerous assaults against Christians in the area.
"Since the year 2011, over 100 Christians have been killed here," he said.

Grave for 15 of the victims of the assault in Mile Bakwai (Morning Star News photo)

Christian communities attacked include those in the villages of Mushu, Tsohon Mushu, Marish, Ruboi, Wumat, Magi, Gada Biyu, Batish, Butura Gida, Pyakmalu, Mper, Ruwi, Chenget, Njukkudel and Washen, Kebang said. Kebang, who as chair of the regional church council over 46 COCIN pastors oversees about 11,000 church members, was blunt about the identity of the culprits.
"Muslim Fulani herdsmen are responsible for these attacks," he said.
After attacking Christian communities, Fulani herders "usually go out there to dish out false information to the world through their Islamic backers in the Middle East, using the Western press," Kebang said. As result, he said, international press tend to misrepresent Muslim aggression as "sectarian conflict," especially when Christians try to defend themselves.
Security agencies reported arresting six of the dozens of Muslims who attacked Mile Bakwai, but said five of those were killed during gun-battle during between the assailants and law enforcement forces, Kebang said. Reports he received from the Special Task Force created to stem violence indicated one of the Muslim attackers said 46 attackers participated in the assault on Mile Bakwai.
Kebang said the attack displaced nearly 500 Christians.
"We have about 140 of our church members displaced in this particular attack, and you can see them right here in the church premises," Kebang said from his office in Bokkos in mid-April. "About 300 other Christians displaced in the attack are right now at the St. Thomas Catholic Church here in Bokkos, and another group of about 13 are camped at the Christ Apostolic Church also here in Bokkos town."
Sultan Unheeded
The Morning Star News Nigeria correspondent stated that besides hit-and-run attacks by Fulani Muslims, the Islamic extremist Boko Haram group has targeted Christians in Nigeria in its effort to destabilize the government and impose sharia (Islamic law) nationwide. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar II, considered the leader of Nigeria's Muslims, has called for a halt to attacks on Christians, but Kebang said area Muslims either deny or don't know of the directive.
"In different forums where we have met to dialogue with Muslim leaders here in Plateau state, we have heard Muslim and Fulani leaders saying bluntly that they will not listen to anyone or act in a peaceful manner until the Sultan of Sokoto directs," he said.
Sokoto is the base of the Caliphate, a Fulani oligarchy established centuries ago.
The sultan also recently called on the Nigerian government to grant amnesty to Boko Haram, but the Islamic extremist sect's leader, Abubakar Shekau, has rejected the idea, claiming the group has not committed any crime warranting amnesty.
"Christians make up 51.3 percent of Nigeria's population of 158.2 million and live mainly in the south, while Muslims account for 45 percent and reside primarily in the north, according to Operation World," concluded the correspondent.

Berber, Kabyle of Algeria

Berber, Kabyle of Algeria The Kabyle name derives from the name of the mountainous region in the north of Algeria, which they traditionally inhabit. The traditional economy of the area is based on orchards and olive trees, and tapestry or pottery. The area was gradually taken over by the French from 1857, despite vigorous local resistance. The armed Algerian revolutionary resistance to French colonialism, the National Liberation Front (FLN) recruited several of its historical leaders in this region. Ministry Obstacles Access to the Kabyle Berbers of Algeria is limited. Outreach Ideas Gospel television and radio can have good effect in North Africa, not being restricted by national borders. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray for the followers of Jesus among the Kabyle Berbers, that they will be faithful to fellowship together, and will grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Pray they will live a life worthy of their calling in Christ. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Kabyle community will have an increasing desire for the One who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Pray the Spirit of Christ will satisfy this desire. Scripture Focus "God has granted to the Gentiles [nations] also the repentance that leads to life." Acts 11:18		People Name: Berber, Kabyle Country: Algeria 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 3,442,000 World Population: 4,202,000 Language: Kabyle Primary Religion: Islam Bible: New Testament Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

Being Christ's Ambassador

Being Christ’s Ambassador Through the Storm “I am honored to be God’s herald of love and the channel of other Christians’ generosity around the world.” (Abdul Hossain) When Cyclone Sidr unleashed its wrath on Southern Bangladesh on November 15, 2007, Abdul lovingly extended help to his fellow countrymen. What makes Abdul’s gestures remarkable, is that Abdul served time in prison because of these same countrymen’s false accusations toward him. Yet, Abdul didn’t hesitate to extend a helping hand, but his assistance was a surprise and shock to others. No one expected that it would be Hossain who would come to their aid. “I was astonished,” Abdul said, as he described his emotions when he first saw the ruins left by the cyclone in the village where he grew up. It was the worst disaster that anyone had ever experienced. Tall trees had their roots ripped from the ground and were thrown all around. Houses made of hay and tin were scattered everywhere. Roads were blocked by debris. It was nearly impossible to reach those who needed help the most. Pity and love filled his heart as he cried out to God. “Not only did they lose everything, but their spirits also seemed to have vanished.” When relief goods were insufficient to meet the vast needs, he felt helpless, and could only console the villagers by telling them of God’s mercy and generosity. Nonetheless, the rescue team abundantly met the needs of hundreds of survivors. One of them was a 90-year-old man who exclaimed upon receiving his relief bag, “How can I carry this? It is so big! God bless you,” hugging Abdul afterwards. A response to the gospel from his countrymen is what Abdul hopes for after the cyclone. Forgiving the people who accused him, Abdul says that he holds no grudges. He hopes to love his countrymen into the Kingdom of God. One With Them Be One With Abdul by forgiving others in your life. Pray for Abdul and all persecuted believers as they forgive their enemies. One With Them CHALLENGE For $9.00 you can provide a believer with a relief pack filled with medicine, food and other basic necessities. Consider giving this gift today. 04/02/2013 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:44-45)

God Intervened

God Intervened  Sadek was living his dream. Joining the army in 2011, he found that it was everything he had hoped for…and more. Then, a co-worker discovered a Bible in Sadek’s locker. The superiors were informed, and Sadek was summoned to appear in court. “I did not understand what happened to me”, Sadek recalls. “I never told anyone about my Christian faith within the barracks, and the books were for my personal use. To my surprise, the court sentenced me to ten years in prison, and a huge fine equivalent to all the money the military had spent on me.” Although Sadek committed no crime, at the young age of 22, he was facing the next ten years in prison.  However, God had another plan. A Colonel, who was at the military tribunal when Sadek was tried and convicted, pleaded on his behalf. Unbeknownst to Sadek, this officer came from the same region of Algeria as himself. Through his influence, the ten-year sentence was dropped. One With Them As you and I face discrimination in the work place and elsewhere, let us lock arms with Sadek and others who have suffered injustices for their faith in Jesus. Let us be One With Them in prayer, and intervene for our brothers and sisters in the Persecuted Church!       4/1/2013   You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20)

The Muslim soldier who became the 'Apostle to the Pygmies'

Edited and adapted by Mark Ellis He was a Muslim soldier who fought against Christians until a Scripture verse stopped him in his tracks and set him on a new path in life. Waswa Munubi grew up in Uganda. During his youth, he was an avid marijuana smoker. In military service, he fought against Christians until he came under the influence of Alexander Mackay, a Scottish missionary with the Church Missionary Society. Challenged to read the New Testament, one verse in the Sermon on the Mount grabbed his heart in an unexpected way. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. (Matthew 5:13) After he read that passage, Munubi surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and was born again. At his baptism, he took the name “Apolo,” after the eloquent Alexandrian Jewish believer who “was fervent in spirit, spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus” (Acts 18:25). Apolo left military service and began his discipleship training under the Anglican Church. He almost married, but his fiancée died unexpectedly before their wedding. After her death, Apolo decided to take the Apostle Paul’s advice in 1 Cor. 7:32, so he stayed single, and committed himself to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and completely. He was the first to volunteer as a missionary to the neighboring region of Toro. After that, he was sent to Boga, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To get to Boga, Apolo walked over the Rwenzori Mountains, then he traveled another 50 miles through the forest. He only took his Bible and his hoe on the arduous journey. The Bible fed him spiritually; the hoe allowed him to find work along the way. When he arrived at Boga, Apolo began to boldly proclaim the gospel. However, many were offended by his preaching, because he spoke against traditional practices and behavior, such as sorcery, polygamy, and drunkenness. He even offended Chief Tabaro, who gave the order that no one should give Apolo any food, in the hope that Apolo would die of hunger or leave his village. Undeterred, Apolo remained steadfast and loyal to the Lord’s calling on his life and continued his ministry. Against all odds, he watched in amazement as the Lord provided for all of his needs. Then a strange incident happened. Chief Tabaro’s sister died by accidently falling onto a spear that was carelessly left in the tall grasses at a building site. Apolo was blamed for her death, imprisoned and beaten, then sent back to Uganda where he was placed on trial for murder. One night in the prison, Apolo had a life-changing dream. “I saw Jesus shining like the sun, He said to me, ‘Take heart, for I am with you,’” Apolo recalled later. At the same time he had this powerful dream, God miraculously changed Chief Tabaro’s heart. Inexplicably, the chief requested that Apolo be released from prison and returned to his village. Through Apolo’s influence, the chief became a believer himself and the two men became close friends. After these dramatic events, Apolo’s heart was revived and encouraged. Full of the Holy Spirit, he began to preach with even greater boldness. Wherever he spoke, people gave up their old customs, repented, and began to follow Jesus. Apolo declared the year 1921 as “the year of the Gospel.” God began to touch his heart about reaching the pygmy tribes who inhabited forested areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Faithful to God’s call, he went to live among the Walese, Wanyali, and Wambuti as a friend. When he preached, he often told them about another unusual encounter with Jesus: “Christ appeared before me as a man. It was like seeing a man who was my brother. He said to me, ‘Go, preach in the forest, because I am with you. I Am who I Am–this is my Name.’” Due to the Lord’s favor and an anointing propelled by the Spirit, Apolo became known as “the Apostle to the Pygmies” for his work among the Bambuti people of the Ituri forest in the eastern part of the country. He died in 1933 at Boga, his mission field. Contrary to local customs, he was buried with his head toward the west (not the east) at his request. This signaled his desire that the Gospel should go to the western part of the country. Others, inspired by his example, continued his work throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This article, edited and adapted by permission of the Dictionary of African Christian Biography, was originally researched and written by Rev. Yossa Way, Project Luke Fellow and Professor of Theology at the Institut Supérieur Théologique Anglican in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Chris Wilkinson assisted Mark Ellis in editing this article.

Pakistanis Pay Tribute to Cecil Chaudhry, a National Hero

By Ashfaq Fateh Special to ASSIST News Service LAHORE, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- People from various sections of Pakistani life, including many from the Christian community, paid tribute to Group Captain (Retired) Cecil Chaudhry, one of the Pakistani national heroes of 1965 and 1971 wars against India, at his funeral at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Lahore, on Sunday, April 15, 2012. A recent picture of Cecil Chaudhry Chaudhry, 71, a veteran fighter pilot of Pakistan Air Force, died at the age of 71, on Friday, April 13, 2012, at the Combined Military Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, after suffering from lung cancer. At the funeral, and on behalf of the ASSIST News Service-Pakistan, I spoke with Christian activists who had attended the service and they each applauded the role of Mr. Chaudhry as fighter pilot and an icon of minority rights. Rafia Salomi, a women rights activist said, "Cecil Chaudhry was the Chairman of Society for Human Development and he tasked the workers to strive to build strong Pakistan empowering the weaker sections of society including labor, religious minorities, children and women. He made several nationwide visits to educate Pakistanis to struggle for equal rights for minorities. "He trained youths like Clement Shahbaz Bhatti, the former Minister for Minorities Affairs [who was murdered on March 2, 2011] to dedicate their lives to uplift our Pakistan minorities." Rafia Salomi She went on to say, "As the head of the Christian Organizations for Social Action in Pakistan (COSAP), he struggled to restore joint electorate system in Pakistan that enabled minorities to be a part of mainstream politics of the country. His contribution to democracy will remember forever. He addressed various international forums to represent Pakistan and he highlighted the role of minorities in our country's development." Atif Jamil Pagaan, Executive Director the Harmony Foundation, said, "Cecil Chaudhry was a role model for Christian youth. As a great pilot fighter he destroyed India's hunter planes and was awarded with the Sitar-e-Jurat and Tamga Jurat awards from the President of Pakistan in recognition of his services to the nation. Later, he supported India-Pakistan peace process and was a well-known educationist. "He was one of the founding fathers of Punjab Education Foundation, a government-run education department that introduced educational development programs in the province of Punjab. He also inspired hundreds of youth to join hands to educate younger generation with the values of love, peace and hard work. He was a great politician as well." Fr. Bonnie Mendes Fr. Bonnie Mendes, one of the founding fathers of the Christian rights movement in Pakistan had been a close associate of Mr. Cecil Chaudhry and worked with him under the umbrella of Society for Human Development, as well as the National Commission for Justice and Peace, both important Christian Organizations for social action in Pakistan and other countries." Cecil Chaudhry and Fr. Mendes initiated various movements against discriminatory laws affecting religious minorities, restoration of joint electorate and for adding a religious column in national identity card. Fr. Mendes spoke to ANS-Pakistan and said, "The loss of Mr. Cecil Chaudhry is great. Last year, the icon of minorities rights Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, was assassinated and now another strong voice is no more. However, his vision and great examples of service and empowering weaker sections of the society will continue to be followed by others." Johnson Gill, a Christian youth leader, stated, "The death of Cecil Chaudhry is a national loss, but our youth will follow in his footsteps to promote peace, love and harmony in the country." Mian Shahbaz Shari, Chief Minister of Punjab, presenting flowers on the occasion of funeral Mian Shahbaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab, paid a special tribute to Chaudhry at the funeral, saying "Group Captain (Retired) Cecil Chaudhry was a legendary fighter pilot of Pakistan Air Force, and the services rendered by this legend were beyond the call of normal duty. His aerial battles during the 1965 and 1971 wars with India will be remembered for all times to come." Later, on behalf of ANS-Pakistan, I held a meeting in Lahore with Ms. Michelle Chaudhry, the daughter of Mr. Chaudhry and Executive Director of the Iris Foundation, to give our condolences to the family. Ms. Michelle said, "The Iris Foundation was initiated in memory of my late mother, Mrs. Iris Chaudhry, to empower and help women and children, The Iris Foundation has provided food and other relief aids to Hindus, flood-affected women in Sindh last year. We are pledged to carry on the mission of my great father [and mother] to support the weaker groups of the society in Pakistan."

Egyptian Judiciary Accused of Collusion in Kidnapping and Forced Islamization of Christian Minors

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

CAIRO, EGYPT (ANS) -- A Middle East journalist is reporting that an Egyptian court has ordered a 16-year-old Christian girl to be held in a state-owned care home, instead of returning her to her family, allegedly for expressing her wish to convert to Islam.

The 16-year-old girl
"She is to be held in state care until she reaches the age of 18. The decision has been widely criticized by Copts, who say it encourages Islamists to continue unabated the abduction of Christian minors for conversion to Islam," said Mary Abdelmassih writing for the Assyrian International News Agency (www.aina.org).

"The decision taken by a prosecutor in Boulaq El Dakrour district, Giza, makes him an abductor and makes the law an accomplice to the crime," said Dr. Oliver, a Coptic activist. "What this prosecutor committed is a crime -- he legitimized child abduction and detention."

Dr. Oliver explained that these crimes are committed by thugs, criminals and kidnappers of children and, when the State legitimizes them, it makes itself a partner. In addition, he said, placing a girl under care for allegedly wishing to convert to Islam while still a minor is "tantamount to abduction by the State".

Abdelmassih went on to say that the abduction of 16-year old Amira Gamal Saber, from Saft-el-Khamar village, Minya province, who disappeared from her home over 40 days ago, has turned into a tug of war between the Christian family and Islamist lawyers from an organization named Alliance for the Support of New Muslim Females.

They claim that they are "defending the rights of their Muslim sisters" and that "according to the Egyptian constitution, the principal source of legislation is Islamic Jurisprudence (Sharia), which should apply to both Muslims and non-Muslims, and therefore at 16 years of age, Amira can chose her own religion."

According to the Al-Azhar Islamic Institution, a person cannot convert to Islam before reaching the age of 18 years.

In December 2011, Amira attended a school lesson but failed to return home. Her teacher said she had left school with two veiled girls. Her family looked for her in all the neighboring villages and were informed that she had accompanied three Muslim men to Cairo. They filed a report with the police on December 4. The head of security in Minya confirmed her kidnapping and assured her family that the culprits were being watched and not to take any action until they were detained. However, time passed and nothing was heard from security.

The journalist added that attorney, Tawfik Kamel, who accompanied the Sabry family to Giza, said that on January 15 a man named Mohammad Ahmed Ibrahim phoned the family and said that Amira had been staying at his home in Boulaq El Dakrour for the last 38 days and asked for 200,000 Egyptian pounds ($33,110.41 USD) for her return.

"The family asked to speak to their daughter, and she spoke to her mother," he added.

According to Kamel, "We had no idea that Islamists were involved. We went to Giza to pay a ransom to someone and collect our daughter, instead we were directed to the police station where Amira is, and then we were told there that government prosecuters are handling the case."

They were detained and interrogated for seven hours.

"We were surprised to find a bearded lawyer," said Kamel, "backed by another 12 Salafist lawyers, appearing in the session, claiming that Amira wants to convert to Islam, and that she does not want to return home as she is afraid of retribution." He presented prosecution with the birth certificate proving Amira is 16-years-old and a certificate from the Fatwa department of Al Azhar saying they have no record of her, and conversion is not permitted for people under 18 years old.

"We thought we would bring Amira home but were stunned by the decision to send her to a care home in Giza until she reaches 18," said her uncle.

Abdelmassih added that Tawfik Kamel said that he heard that Amira is presently not in a state-owned care home, but in a home affiliated to the Sharia association in Giza, which is in violation of the court decision. He said that he is in the process of appealing the decision to the Attorney General.

Nancy and Christine Fathy
The decision of the prosecutor in Boulaq El Dakrour was not the first time that prosecution has taken such a measure. On June 12, 2011, 14-year-old Nancy Magdy Fathy, and her 16-year old cousin Christine Ezzat Fathy disappeared from their home in Minya. The family accused two Muslim brothers from a neighboring village of abducting them. Two weeks later they were found in Cairo, but said they converted to Islam, refused to go back to their families and applied for protection from them.

Prosecution decided to put them in a state care home and provided protection for them, until completion of the investigations. It was discovered they had lied about converting to Islam, according to Al Azhar.

"To this day they are still in the care home," said activist Waguih Yacoub, "and no progress on their status had been made, except that the two brothers implicated of their disappearance were released".

According to Dr. Oliver there is an active ring called "Sharia Association of Ain Shams" in the Cairo suburb of Ain Shams, which kidnaps Christian minors. "It depends on the protection and backing of a prosecutor serving there who colludes with this association," he said.

"It is also not uncommon that prosecution detains parents of abducted minors so that they cease to search for their abducted daughters."

Abdelmassih concluded by saying, "Similarly organized Islamization rings, which depend on the protection and collusion of high profile personalities, including prosecutors and policemen, exist in Alexandria. They target Christian minor girls through sexual coercion".