Persecution of Christians in Asia
Islam is entrenched in Asia from the southern former Soviet "republics" to the island archipelagos of Indonesia and the Philippines. The severity of persecution of Christians varies, but some of the worst treatment comes from allegedly Western-looking nations like Turkey and Pakistan.
As Islam grows more powerful in Asia, countries are enacting laws hostile to Christianity and Christians. This enables Muslims to use police and judicial authorities to harass Christians. Even the tiny Maldives -- a seemingly island paradise in the Indian Ocean -- regards Islam as the only "accepted" religion, making Christians outlaws!
The Taliban of Afghanistan and Pakistan is one of the most recognized Islamic groups, but its violence toward Christians is masked by its uncontrolled hostility to any person or group that resists its bloody fist.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Asia
Answered Prayer
In May 2008, Muslims from Saleman village in Indonesia attacked Christians in nearby Horale. They burnt crops, homes, churches, and a school. Several Christians were brutally killed and over fifty were injured. Survivors fled into the jungle. A week later, Muslims claimed that Horale belonged to them. They filed a legal case to claim ownership of the land.
Court Rules in Christians’ Favor
After a 4-year legal battle, a court ruled that Christians in an INDONESIAN village can remain in their homes. In 2008 Muslims burned the Christians’ crops, school, three churches, and 120 houses. The Muslims also brought a legal case against the Christians, claiming rights to their land.
Praise God that the believers can now continue rebuilding their lives in the village. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
Christian Acquitted of Blasphemy
UPDATE: A Christian man accused of blasphemy in PAKISTAN has been acquitted! He was accused last year after he rescued his nephew from boys who were beating the 8-year-old for refusing to recite the Islamic creed.
Praise God for his acquittal! “No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God.”
Church Harassed, Threatened
A Christian community in PAKISTAN received threats not to celebrate Easter. Their signs and decorations were torn down. Police refused to file a report. Their property was again vandalized on Palm Sunday.
Pray that these believers will have joy and courage in the midst of their trials. “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Going to Church in the Islamic World
Many of us take for granted that we can go to church and worship freely. We have no fear of our Christmas or Easter celebrations being sabotaged--or if disruption to our ordinary Sunday services for that matter. But for Christians in many parts of the world, gathering for worship is not that simple, and Christian holidays are a time of joy mingled with fear. This spring in Pakistan, a congregation received threats not to celebrate Easter.
Convert Beaten by Family
A believer from a Muslim background who gave credit and praise to Jesus for her recovery from an illness was beaten nearly unconscious by her parents and other Muslims this March in INDIA. The mob also threatened to harm the woman who led her to Christ.
Ask God to give the believers boldness to continue living out their faith. “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Daring to Give Thanks
Twenty-two year old Rekha Khatoon was kicked out of her home and beaten because she gave thanks to Jesus for her recovery from an illness. She boldly said, “I will not leave Jesus.”
Please pray for her.
Read her full story here: Compass Direct News
Restrictions and Attacks in Turkey
Christians in TURKEY face continued difficulties. Missionaries have been expelled or denied re-entry under tightened visa regulations. A pastor was attacked on Easter weekend. Recently a church building was vandalized.
Ask God to encourage Christian workers. “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”
Evangelism, Charity, and Persecution
The staff members at Good Samaritan Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan are Christians, but nearly all of their patients are Muslims. According to a police investigator, most Islamic terrorist groups in the region think that Christian organizations are evangelizing “under the guide of charity.”
On March 1, two of the hospital’s staff, Issac Samson and Indrias Javaid, were kidnapped. Sometimes terrorists kidnap for ransom, but as of the last report no ransom demand had been issued.
Two Believers Kidnapped
Two Christians working for a Christian-run hospital in PAKISTAN were kidnapped on March 1 by suspected Muslims.
Ask God to give these believers courage and hasten their release. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”
LEARN MORE: EVANGELISM, CHARITY, AND PERSECUTION
