Photo: New Life Church (cc)
A court in Minsk has fined seven young Christians the equivalent of two months' average wages each. The charges were laid against the believers as punishment for talking to others about the meaning of Easter on April 15th, the day before Orthodox Easter Sunday.
The young people were charged for organizing "a demonstration or mass event," even though they were merely speaking with individuals on the street. When governing officials were asked to explain the reasons for the arrests and fines, they refused to comment. The Christians were fined the maximum penalty allowable under the statute. It appears that the believers have chosen not to appeal their sentences.
Five of the seven Christians who received charges are members of the New Life Church, which has faced repeated incidents of persecution over the years and was sealed by the authorities in February 2021. For details on the challenges encountered by this church, along with other reports addressing the persecution of believers in Belarus, go to our country report.
Pray for God's provision on behalf of the young believers who have been fined for sharing their faith. May He give them wisdom, courage and peace as they face the charges, as well as the strength required to continue carrying out Christ's call to spread the Gospel message. In general, pray for the ongoing ministry of other Christians throughout Belarus who are also encountering ongoing hostility from governing officials. Ask the Lord to bring conviction to those who oppose His Word so their hearts will be stirred towards repentance and the need to receive His eternal salvation.
