| |  2/18/2011 Cambodia (AsiaNews) Cambodia Closes a Refugee Camp for Vietnamese Christians- The Cambodian government has closed a UN camp that housed refugees from the ethnic Montagnard minority as well as other victims of persecution and abuse by authorities in Hanoi. The group is mostly composed of evangelical Christians from poor inland areas. Human rights activists are appealing to Phnom Penh and urging the government to comply with the directives of the UN Convention on the Rights of Refugees. Even more concerning is the future of some of the affected exiles, who are now in the hands of the Cambodian government. The government had previously signed the United Nations Charter, but has maintained an ambiguous attitude towards the Montagnards. In 2001 and 2004 at least two thousand Montagnards emigrated to Cambodia to escape the violence of the Vietnamese authorities who had confiscated their land and persecuted them because of their Christian faith. Full Report. Pray that the Cambodian goverment will deal with these refugees with care and concern, and maintain mercy on these Christians. Pray that the camp will reopen under the care of the UN who has overseen the human rights of these people. Pray that the Vietnamese government will also cease persecuting Christians in Vietnam. | |  2/15/2011 Somalia (OneNews) Islamists Seize Land from Believers - Islamists in Somalia continue their deliberate focus on persecuting Christians who attend Bible studies by confiscating their land. Members of Al-Shabaab, an Islamic extremist group that controls the regions of Somalia, seized the farm lands of Christians who converted from Islam as a message annoucing that believers are not welcome in the region. Eight farms have been confiscated since January 19 and believers have fled from their homes and have gone into hiding. Al-Shabaab has vowed to purge Somalia of any Christian influence and are militant in their views and beliefs of Islam. They have killed 23 Christians since 2009 and have terrorized the region by destroying Christian cemeteries and a Christian library. Despite the increased persecution, the church in Somalia continues to grow. "Christianity presents them with an escape from the violence that surrounds them," one source explains, "and when they come to Christ, they feel the peace and they have that guarantee of eternal life." Full Story Pray for the continued growth of the Somali church in spite of increasing persecution. Pray for Al-Shabaab to be softened in their hatred and persecution of Christians in the region. Pray for not only the protection of believers, but continued boldness and strength of heart in light of such persecution. | |  2/07/2011 India (CDN) Pastor in India Traumatized After Attack- A pastor in India's Rajasthan state who was stripped, beaten, and wounded by Hindu extremists earlier this month is still traumatized. Police have yet to investigate due to family fears of further violence. Pastor Hari Shankar Ninama, 65, was praying in a home in Ambarunda, Peepal Khoont, Pratapgarh district for an 8-year-old boy's recovery from illness on February 1 when at least 10 Hindu extremists arrived on motorbikes. The assailants beat him, and putting him on their motorbike, took him outside the village, where they stripped off his clothes and struck him. After stealing his watch, cell phone, and a small amount of money, the assailants fled. Full Story Pray for the physical, emotional, and mental recovery of Pastor Ninama so he can continue his ministry. Pray for justice to be served so that the attackers will be held to account for their actions. Pray for the Hindu extremists to see Christ's love shine through the believers they are attacking. | | 2/16/2011 Burma (MNN)
Media Continues to Ignore Burma Christian Genocide "It seems like what's happening is that the Burmese government is trying to wipe out anybody that doesn't agree with them-- especially these tribal people because they're sitting on land that they [the government] want because they need the natural resources to sell to China and to other surrounding countries. So instead of moving the people and compensating them, it's easier to just wipe them out." That report, given by Patrick Klein with Vision Beyond Borders (VBB), comes amidst reports of between 500,000 and 600,000 people being killed in the genocide so far. 4300 villages have been wiped out, children are being used as mine sweepers, women are raped, and men are killed. The UN has even labeled the violence as genocide. Yet the international community has remained strangely silent. The church has generally been just as disinterested in discussing the topic as is the media. VBB has been doing all they can to help the Karen people of Burma who have been especially affected. Nearly 15,000 Karen refugees have fled to Thailand in just the last few weeks. They are in touch with churches inside Burma as well and are using every opportunity to smuggle in clothes and Bibles. Full Story
Pray for these dear brothers and sisters to remain strong and faithful to Christ in such desperate conditions.
Pray that VBB is successful in reaching the churches within Burma to provide resources and encouragement to them. Pray that the international community will bring light to this tragic situation in Burma in order to put pressure on the government. | | 2/17/2011 Iraq (AP) Austria Grants Refuge to 30 Iraqi Christians Austria says that it is granting asylum to 30 Iraqi Christians fleeing persecution in their homeland. Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger said in the long run measures are needed to ensure that Iraq's ancient Christian community continues to exist and has the possibility to practice their faith freely. At least 68 people were killed in October when militants stormed a Baghdad church during Mass and took the congregation hostage. Other attacks have followed. Full Story Pray for the Iraqi Christian community to see value in staying in Iraq so that the gospel of Jesus Christ might shine in the midst of darkness. Pray for those who have lost loved ones as they heal emotionally. Pray for protection over the remaining Christians who are constantly fearful of future attacks. | |  2/17/2011 Eritrea (Asmarino) Pregnant Christian Women Released from Prison- Eritrean authorities have released two pregnant women from incarceration days before their expected delivery dates. The women who have been in prison for three months were arrested in the purge that took place in the southern regions of the country at the close of last year. Conditions in prisons are said to be dire with malnutrition and severe hygiene concerns. Prisoners are also tortured and maltreated on regular bases. The administrator of the region, Mr. Mustafa Nur Hussein, ordered an end of year extermination of all evangelical Christians in his province by the end of 2010, at a meeting in October of the same year. In the months that followed, security officers in the region arrested every leader of the underground church network and in many cases their respective spouses as well. The situation has resulted in many children being left without parents and in the care of elderly relatives. Many of those arrested are said to be from the kale-Hiwet and Mulu-Wengel evangelical churches of Eritrea. Commenting on these developments, Dr. Berhane Asmelash, Director of Release Eritrea said, "Our concern for the welfare of vulnerable children and women is grave, and of course the continuing persecution is something that we need to continually bring to everyoneís attention and prayers. People in Eritrea need our support and solidarity and Release Eritrea will continue to highlight these needs." Full Story Pray for Eritrea as persecution has been on the rise. The prison system is one of the worst in the world. Pray for these two women who have been released so that they may find joy at this time of birth of their children. Pray for these newborn babies as they are brought into this world, that they may know Christ and be carriers of the gospel to the nations. | | Giving Made Easier! ICC Offers the Ability to Automate Your Monthly Gift! You can sign up to be a monthly supporter of the persecuted through a monthly credit card (or bank account) transfer via our website. Your automated recurring gift will help us plan, build, and serve the persecuted with greater confidence. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to serve our persecuted brothers and sisters. You can sign up for recurring gifts or make a secure online donation by clicking here. Thank you for caring and praying for the persecuted. | | | 2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941 Washington, D.C. 20006-1846 Phone: USA 1-800-422-5441 | | | | | | |
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