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2016-01-28

  • Mob Obstructs Burial of Deceased Christian


    A village in Sri Lanka.
    Photo: Flickr / Adam Jones

    On October 16th, 2015, a mob of around 300 villagers in a remote area of Sri Lanka prevented a Christian family from performing a burial service at a public cemetery, declaring that the burial could only take place according to Hindu rituals. Unable to bury the body at the public cemetery, the pastor attempted to perform the burial on church grounds instead. The mob then entered the church premises by force, breaking the fence and setting fire to two motorbikes that were parked on the property. After the police obtained an order from the Magistrates Court, the family was forced to bury the body of their loved one outside the village at a cemetery 23 kilometres away.

    Small crimes against Christian believers in Sri Lanka are not uncommon. Over the past three months, there have been reports of multiple incidences committed against believers, pastors, and their congregations. Those of the Kagelle District have been especially targeted. Three pastors and their congregations, in particular, have experienced strong opposition from neighbouring militants. They have been insulted verbally, had their properties burned, and undergone severe pressure to close their church doors.

    In one incident, a sub-inspector from the area police station approached a pastor on his church premises and demanded to see the church's registration. The pastor, who has been ministering in the area for the past 18 years, never received any notification of required registration. According to the country's legal representatives, there is no such law regarding the registration of religious worship places in Sri Lanka. For previous reports on persecution in this country, please click here.

    Let us lift our voices in prayer on behalf of these targeted Christian believers in Kagelle and other areas of Sri Lanka. As a result, may they be greatly encouraged and strengthened, knowing that they are being upheld in prayer and supported by their brothers and sisters in Christ. May they also be reminded of God's promise that though they are persecuted, they are not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Cor. 4:9). Pray for God's protection over their lives and for His intervention to take place in each of these situations. And as they boldly proclaim Jesus as Saviour and Lord, may those opposing them experience His loving kindness, mercy and salvation.
  • Lives Endangered as Extremism Rises

    The rise of Islamic extremism throughout the globe has placed religious minorities in dire situations, as they have become the prime targets of many militants. Most would view the Middle East and Africa to be the primary locations for such attacks against Christians; however, recent news reports indicate that Southeast Asia is experiencing its own fight against extremism.

    Surprisingly, the Philippines, known to be a Christian majority nation, has also seen a rise in attacks against believers by Muslim militants. During the month of December alone, 14 people were killed due to a terrorist attack in which a chapel was hit with explosives; and an additional nine died when 200 gunmen raided Christian villages in Mindanao. The rise of Islamic radicalism has placed believers in different parts of the world -- whether representing a religious minority or majority -- on high alert. More about persecution in this Asian country is available at this page.

    Please pray for the loved ones of those victimized by the raids that took place recently in the various villages of Mindanao. May the grieving family members and friends not pursue any form of retaliation, acknowledging that vengeance belongs to God alone -- the Righteous Judge. Ask that they instead be granted His grace and strength to not only forgive the perpetrators but to also earnestly intercede for them. Let's join them by praying for a mighty outpouring of God's love and power to take place throughout the Philippines, compelling many more to seek repentance and salvation, for only then can His righteousness and justice prevail.
  • Villagers Fatally Wounded by Gunmen


    Rose died trying to save
    her grandchildren.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Last month, Fulani herdsmen attacked two homes in the predominantly Christian village of Hwak Kwata-Zawan, located near the city of Jos. The militants also raided a nearby compound consisting of Nigerians who had been initially displaced by violence elsewhere in the country's Plateau state. The total number of fatalities resulting from the raids has reached 15, leaving many more in the community grief-stricken and emotionally wounded.

    In one of the village homes, 57-year-old Rose Monday was killed while trying to protect her three young grandchildren from the gunmen. Two of the three children had unfortunately succumbed to their injuries. Their elder sister, five-year-old Anna, who miraculously survived, is receiving treatment in hospital for gunshot wounds. Rose's daughter (the children's aunt) added that their remaining relatives are consoled to know that one day they will all be reunited as a family with the Lord Jesus Christ.

    The other Christian home that was attacked belonged to Gyang Christopher Choji who managed to escape the raid uninjured. The 58-year-old believer explains that his family members had retired to their rooms when they suddenly heard gunshots at about 8:30 p.m. "When the shooting became intense, and we were under siege, I advised my family that we run out to save our lives," he further testifies. "I was able to escape, but five members of my family were brutally killed by these gunmen." The seven other victims that were killed during the raids were from the nearby compound housing.

    The gunmen had apparently visited the area earlier that day to survey the village while most of the residents were at church. The militants even had the audacity to ask local children for water while planning their vicious attacks. The resulting raids have left an entire village in a terrible state of shock and greatly traumatized. Church leaders say the attacks of the Fulani herdsmen on their communities constitute a war "by Islam to eliminate Christianity" in Nigeria. Additional reports and informative video documentaries are available at the Nigeria Country Report.

    In an area of Nigeria that has experienced so much chaos and pain, may the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit bring the surviving villagers and family members greatly needed peace, healing and hope -- along with the assurance that the martyred Christians so dear to them have merely been transported spiritually to their true home in heaven where they are now enjoying the glorious presence of our Lord Jesus in all fullness (2 Cor. 5:8; Luke 23:43). May this truth be especially real for little Anna, as she recovers not only from the physical wounds she sustained as a result of the attacks but, even more importantly, from the emotional and spiritual trauma of witnessing the horrific loss of her loving grandmother and young siblings. Also pray that the calloused hearts of the Fulani herdsmen be radically transformed by the power of the Living God, helping them to realize the seriousness of their crimes against His beloved people prior to that time of reckoning -- when they must stand face-to-face before Him on Judgement Day.