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
Church Sealed
UPDATE: A church in INDONESIA won a lawsuit against the Muslims who closed their building. The seal on the building, however, has not yet been removed. The Christians continue to worship by the roadside in oppressive heat.
Pray they will be able to return to their building soon. “But You, O LORD, know me; You see me, and test my heart toward You.”
Flooding in Pakistan
Flooding has devastated Pakistan. Contacts from Pakistan say that the water has destroyed as many as 20 million homes and has severely affected 1/5 of the country’s land. Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has confirmed that 20 million people were left homeless. Millions of people are still without shelter, and hundreds of thousands have been cut off from ground transportation.
Brothers Shot, Property Vandalized
A PAKISTANI pastor and his brother were shot on July 19 as they were leaving the courthouse. They had been accused of blasphemy and may have been tortured in prison. After the shooting, one died on the spot. The other died at the hospital. Then violence erupted in their city. Muslims targeted successful Christian businesses and threw stones at Christians’ houses.
Christian Ambushed and Beaten
In INDIA, Muslims ambushed a Christian as he was walking home on June 14 and beat him on the head. They demanded that he convert to Islam.
Pray for his protection. Ask also that he will remain firm in his faith. “For I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you.”
Church Builders Attacked
A mob of Muslims used clubs to attack Christians who were laying the foundation for a church in PAKISTAN. Several were seriously injured, and four were charged for trying to defend themselves.
Pray the charges will be dropped, and that God will encourage this tiny congregation of believers. “Hide not Your face from Your servant; for I am in distress; make haste to answer me.”
Pastor Attacked with Ax
As groups of Muslims war against each other in KYRGYZSTAN, Muslim background Believers who try to help victims are in danger. A man with an ax almost cut off the arm of a pastor who was distributing aid.
Thank God that the Muslim mob released him and that he had the opportunity to share his faith. “Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies.”
Christians Beheaded
In the PHILIPPINES, Islamic terrorists beheaded three Christian men who were going about their work. Although Muslims make up only a small percentage of the country, Islamist terror groups are very active.Pray that God will comfort the families of those who have died and that He will protect the Christians. “Our God is a God of salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.”
Christians Arrested, Tortured
In AFGHANISTAN, Christians are being arrested, tortured, and forced to tell the names of other Muslim background Believers. Some have been forced to flee because Muslims authorities have issued orders of execution against them. The Afghan intelligence agency reportedly has a list of more Christians to arrest.
Pray that they will escape their persecutors. “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck.”
Believers Evicted
When PAKISTANI Muslims were confronted about their daily sexual attacks on Christian women and girls, they ordered 250 Christian families to leave the village. The evicted families have nowhere to turn for help, since Muslims would probably bring blasphemy charges against any believers who dared to complain to the police.
Pray that God will provide them new homes. “Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them.”
Jihad Threat against Christians
Islamic leaders in INDONESIA are preparing for war against Christians and have recommended that thousands of mosques form paramilitary units. They are demanding the death penalty for a local pastor and have accused believers of baptizing MBBs.
Pray that the church will remain strong. “God is our salvation.”
