A Christian convert from Islam was falsely arrested last weekend in an attempt by influential Muslims to stop his Christian activities. Day labourer Abul Hossen (41) was arrested on August 21 for alleged cattle theft in Dubachari village in Nilphamari district. Christian villagers reported that Hossen was the victim of "dirty tricks" by influential Muslims. "There is another Abul Hossen in the village who might be the thief, but his father-in-law is very powerful," a local Christian reported. "To save his son-in-law, he imputed all the blame to a different Abul Hossen who is a completely good man." Abul, who converted to Christianity from Islam in 2007, is very active in the community. Muslims are allegedly harassing him with the charge so his ministry will be discredited and villagers will denounce his faith. A former union council chairman who is Muslim, Aminur Rahman, also reported that Abul was a scapegoat. "There are two or three people named Abul Hossen in the village," Rahman said. "Anyone of them might have stolen the cattle, but I can vouch for the arrested Abul Hossen that he did not do this crime." Some 150 villagers, about 20 percent of them Christian, went to the police station to plea for Abul's freedom. (Source: Compass Direct)
Thank the Lord for the faithfulness of Abul. Pray that the Lord will greatly strengthen him and all other believers in the area during this trial. Pray he will have wisdom when dealing with those in authority. Pray God will use his imprisonment to further the gospel (Phil. 1:12-14).
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