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Uganda

• Young Man Beaten for Professing Faith

  

  On September 20th, a young man named Magale Hamidu (also called Mabala) of Nanoko village in eastern Uganda was attacked by his father who discovered that the 20-year-old had left his Islamic faith to become a Christian. Seven months prior to the attack, Magale decided to embrace Christianity, and has since not attended the regular mosque prayers.

• Convert Coerced into Taking Poison

  
  Sandra Summaya, photo
  altered for security reasons.
  Photo: Morning Star News

  A young woman in eastern Uganda, who put her faith in Christ at a Christmas service held in December, was coerced by militant Muslim relatives into taking poison at a New Year's celebration earlier this year. Sandra Summaya, 24, of Bugayi village in Pallisa District, acknowledges that she converted to Christianity at a worship service on Christmas Day.

  "I had great peace when the pastor prayed for me to take Jesus as my Saviour," she explains. "I later shared my testimony with my brother who outright accused me of being an infidel and an outcast from the family and Muslim community. I felt great pain inside me because of the insults."

  On January 1st, Summaya's immediate family and a few other relatives gathered in a village within Kamuge County to celebrate the New Year with a meal. At the high point of the gathering, a paternal uncle read to her a Bible verse and suggested it meant God would protect her from harm, including illness from ingesting poison. "Immediately, I was forced to take the poison to confirm my faith in the Bible."

  Soon the young woman became seriously ill. "I was taken away from the homestead to a nearby bush...tied with a rope to a tree and left to die." Her loud cries woke a Christian neighbour who rushed to the site. "I found Summaya unconscious," recalls the neighbour. "We rushed her to a Kamuge nursing home where the doctor saved her life."

  An attending nurse announced the good news that Summaya's condition has been stabilized but that the medical team wanted to ensure their patient's well-being prior to releasing her from the hospital. For other reports on persecution in Uganda, visit this page.

  While we can praise God for His intervention in Summaya's life through the immediate response of the concerned Christian neighbour and the doctor who administered treatment, the young woman's life is possibly still in danger. Please join us in praying that this new believer will not only experience improved health and physical strength but also protection from any impending threats or harm. May she instead be surrounded by caring community members who will reach out to her with God's compassion as she grows in her relationship and understanding of His Son Jesus who expresses such great love, mercy and grace toward her -- and all others who earnestly seek Him as their Saviour and Lord.

• Single Mother's Home Torn to the Ground

  
  Peninah Fatuma
  Photo: Morning Star News

  On Christmas Eve of 2016, Peninah and her three children stood helplessly by as they watched militants tear down their home -- all because they had turned to Christ. This single mother and her children live in an area of eastern Uganda where a decision to reject Islam can have treacherous consequences. The family is now left homeless.

  Angered by Peninah's conversion, the militants had written several letters warning the mother that her days were numbered. The attack on her home in Pallisa came the day before masked men raided Pastor Erod's church in Obokora village, of the same district, on Christmas morning.

  Hearing jihadist chants, Pastor Erod -- along with members of his congregation -- tried to escape through a back door but they were badly beaten. Five church members were left with serious injuries, including broken bones. The attack appears to be linked to the fact that a Muslim, who had given his life to Christ and received a miraculous healing at the church the previous night, excitedly told others about his new faith.

  Pray that the Lord will provide a home and needed resources for Peninah and her children. Ask Him to protect this suffering family, and all others in Uganda who have shamelessly submitted their lives to Christ. In fact, may the enemy's attempt to thwart Christianity cause the number of believers to multiply exponentially despite the threat of persecution. Uphold the country's spiritual leaders, such as Pastor Erod, asking the Lord to renew their strength and re-ignite their passionate vision to reach the lost so they can effectively continue the important Kingdom work God has prepared in advance for them to accomplish (Ephesians 2:10).

• Burning of Home Where Converts Took Refuge

  On October 30th, militant Muslims of a village in eastern Uganda gutted the home of a Christian family for providing refuge to two boys who were threatened with violence for leaving Islam. Stephen Muganzi, 41, explained that the two teenaged boys sought refuge on October 16th after their parents began questioning them about their conversion to Christianity and subsequently threatened to kill them. The two boys, aged 16 and 17, had secretly become believers about seven months earlier.

  After the youths fled their homes and the parents began searching for them, Stephen himself began receiving threats: "I started receiving threatening messages on my phone accusing me of converting the boys to Christianity, as well as housing them in my house without the parents' permission. But I did not take (them) very seriously."

  The boys' fathers (names withheld, for the security of their endangered sons) organized a group of sharia (Islamic law) vigilantes to punish them for apostasy. The mob, including the boys' fathers, then set fire to the Christian man's home.

  The church sent one of its elders to check on the extent of the damage. "The loss is enormous," the elder announced. While at the premises of the burned home, he also discovered leaflets that were left behind by the attackers. The notes read: "Be informed that we are not yet finished with you. Expect more. Worse things are on the way." Stephen's family and the youths have been forced to seek shelter elsewhere.

  Thank you for joining with us in praying for the safety of the imperilled teens whose lives are being sought by the militant Muslims of their community, a situation instigated by their very own fathers. May these young believers experience the comforting presence of their Heavenly Father in personally meaningful ways. Also pray for Stephen and his family, who have kindly offered to help the two boys in an effort to keep them safe and their newfound faith strong. May the Lord give Stephen the strength and provision to continue assisting the boys, ensuring that they have good quality care, education and a promising future.

• Baby Poisoned During Ramadan Fast

  
  Nubu Kiiza and her husband Suleiman have been arrestedfor a crime against an infant.
  Photo: Morning Star News

  When a young 24-year-old mother by the name of Angel Nabirye decided to eat during the daytime fast of Ramadan, her mother-in-law was incensed with anger. Angel, who was breast-feeding her infant daughter at the time, thought it was important that she obtain proper nourishment so her unwell baby girl could gain needed strength. According to the practices of Islam, non-Muslims are not required to observe Ramadan. In addition, those struggling with illness, pregnant women, and breast-feeding mothers are excused from participating.

  On the morning of June 17th, Angel was visited by her mother-in-law Nubu Kiiza who brought some herbs for the baby. "After three hours, the condition of the baby worsened," Angel testifies. "I rushed her to Iganga Hospital but she was pronounced dead on arrival at 4 p.m." A doctor immediately took several tests, proving that the infant had been poisoned.

  Upon news of the passing, Angel's husband, Ayubu Meddie Kamwa, sent relatives to the hospital to retrieve the child's body. They wanted an immediate burial performed, in accordance with Islamic custom. However, Angel thought her relatives should be present for the ceremony. By this time, her husband and mother-in-law were so furious that they, along with other relatives, began berating the distraught young mother and calling her an "infidel" and "pagan."

  When Angel's mother and siblings, all professing Christians, arrived later that night, her in-laws served tea laced with chloroform which put them in a state of unconsciousness. When they awoke the next morning, Angel's sister discovered that the baby's body was missing, and a frantic search ensued. By this time, further verbal and physical assaults took place against Angel and her family. Fortunately, neighbours were able to intervene and stop the attack.

  Officers from Nakabugu police station soon arrived at the scene, arresting Angel's husband Ayubu, his parents, and an imam named Alamzan Waiswa, for questioning by Luuka District authorities. Police and neighbours have searched without success for the infant's body.

  Thank you for upholding this young mother, Angel, as well as her family, as they grieve over the loss of their precious baby girl. May God greatly comfort their broken hearts, consoling them with the fact that this child is now experiencing His loving care in heaven where they will all be joyfully reunited. Also, considering her husband's recent arrest, please intercede for Angel's troubled marriage, asking the Lord to work in the situation to bring about repentance, salvation, healing and restoration. Continue to pray for the church in areas of eastern Uganda where Christians are under mounting pressure due to persecution.

• Father Burns Child for Following Jesus

  
  Nassif in hospital.
  Photo: Morning Star News

  A nine-year-old boy in Uganda has been hospitalized after his father, a militant Muslim, tied him to a banana tree and set it on fire, as a means of punishing the child for placing his faith in Jesus. Nassif became a Christian when a well-intending neighbour took him to visit a church in another village on June 5th.

  According to the pastor of the church, the boy's father and stepmother became very angry when they learned he had converted to Christianity. Upon hearing Nassif's screams for help, concerned neighbours brought him to Kamuli Hospital. His father was subsequently arrested and then later released on bail.

  The boy suffered serious burns to several parts of his body, a hospital spokesperson reports. "Nassif has been recovering, but at a very slow pace," he explains. "He might need to be referred to another hospital for specialized treatment."

  The neighbour who introduced Nassif to the church now fears for his own life since receiving the following threatening text message: "We know that you are behind the conversion of Nassif to Christianity. You will soon reap what you have sown, which will be a lesson to others. Islam is against such conversion." A relative of the child is hoping to assume custody of Nassif after his release from the hospital.

  Please pray for young Nassif's full recovery, both physically and emotionally, and for God's protection over his life when he is released from hospital. May this traumatized child understand how much his Heavenly Father truly loves him, and the fact that He has a wonderful plan for Nassif's life. Ask the Lord to also protect the threatened person who willingly took Nassif to church, as well as the concerned neighbours who brought him safely to hospital. Intercede for the child's parents that they may come to know Jesus as their Saviour too. In general, let's uphold all believers within Uganda who are in need of protection, especially those residing in areas where there is a greater risk of persecution.

• Pastor Dies After Meal is Poisoned

  Pastor Micah Byamukama of Kasecha village in eastern Uganda died after eating a meal laced with insecticide, and local authorities suspect that the person responsible for his death has fled the community.

  On Sunday, May 15th, the 61-year-old pastor began to feel stomach pain after eating food brought by a man he believed was genuinely seeking to reconcile with him. The pastor was rushed to Kabweri Health Centre where he died at 9 p.m. A nurse who requested anonymity confirmed that the pastor had ingested an organophosphate insecticide.

  Five days earlier, Pastor Micah, who was a widower without children, had sustained injuries from a knife attack carried out by a group of men. He survived the attack because neighbours responded to his cries for help. These neighbours believe that the person responsible for instigating the first attack is the same one who poisoned the pastor. The perpetrator is described as a local Muslim man who was angered by comments the pastor had made during a public discussion about faith.

  At least six Christians in eastern Uganda have been killed or brutally attacked by militants already this year; others have received death threats.

  Please pray for an end to these senseless attacks against the Christians of eastern Uganda. Uphold the pastors and evangelists who are endeavouring to reach people for Christ in regions where such needed ministry has the potential to stir up violent opposition. May believers throughout this country feel strengthened and encouraged as people around the world faithfully pray for them. And on behalf of Ugandans in need of salvation, pray that they will be receptive to the Good News of the Gospel.

• Children Narrowly Escape Death

  
  Two children of slain Mariam Nakirya. (Photo altered for security reasons.)
  Photo: Morning Star News

  Early in the morning of May 8th, 34-year-old Awali Kakaire killed his wife, Mariam Nakirya, for embracing Christianity. The mother of five was only 30 years old. Awali began to suspect his wife was a Christian a month prior to the incident, after the local imam questioned him as to why his wife and children had not been attending mosque prayers, and the reason his children had not been attending the Islamic school. As Awali frequently travelled for business, sometimes for the duration of a month at a time, the rest of the family was able to attend church on Sundays.

  On May 8th, after his Islamic cleansing ritual, Awali instructed his wife to join him for morning Islamic prayers. "Our mother refused, and our father started strangling her as she cried for help," one son recalls. Awali left the house after killing her, returning two hours later. He then forced his five children, ages 5 to 12, into a hole that he had dug in a nearby garden.

  "We resisted and began screaming," the son further explains. "Neighbours arrived immediately, but he had already dumped us into the hole he had dug," Police arrived at the scene equipped with tear gas, guns and batons in case there were added ramifications while dealing with the gathered crowd.

  Mariam had come to Christ in August of 2015, after a series of visits from a door-to-door evangelist. Two of her children are now staying with their grandmother, and three with their uncle. "The children are still traumatized and crying for their mother," adds the concerned 80-year-old grandmother.

  Let us join together in prayer for these five traumatized children who are suffering the tragic loss of their mother. May our Lord Jesus, whom they have come to know while attending church, fill their hearts with great peace, comfort and hope. May these young ones continue in the footsteps of their mother who faithfully followed Him until the very end. Also intercede for their father in hopes that he, too, will discover God's forgiveness and salvation, in addition to the peace that comes when personally acknowledging His Son Jesus as Saviour.

• Untimely Losses Distress Two Communities

  
  Relatives of Hajii Suleiman Sajjabi
  await word on poisoned Christians
  at Mbale Regional Hospital.
  Photo: Morning Star News

  Pastor Bongo Martin was brutally killed on December 23rd when he and other members of his church resisted the efforts of local militant Muslims to take over their land in the Namutumba district. The 32-year-old church leader was attacked with a sword after protesting about a fence that had been put up in an attempt to encroach on part of the church's land in Nansololo village. The opposing locals had previously complained several times, believing that the church was not far enough away from their mosque.

  Just days prior to this, five Christians in the Budaka district had died after eating food laced with pesticide following a Bible study meeting in Kachomo, a predominantly Muslim village. The study group leader and host, Hajii Suleiman Sajjabi, is presently in a coma. Four of those who died were his relatives, and the fifth was a pregnant woman. Prior to the poisoning, Hajii had been reprimanded by a local imam for distributing Bibles in the community.

  Thank you for upholding Pastor Bongo's wife and two children in prayer, as well as his congregation. May God sustain these believers in their time of shock and grief, appointing another spiritual leader to provide them needed ministry and reach out to their community with the proclamation of the Gospel. Also, pray for Hajii, who urgently needs God's intervention and healing touch after the poisoning incident, and for consolation to be provided to those affected by the untimely loss of the Bible study group members. May the militants responsible for both of these crimes come to repentance, recognizing their own need of God's mercy and salvation.

• Father Clings to Faith Regarding Abducted Children

  
  Police recover the body of
  Ismail Kuloba in Komodo,
  eastern Uganda.
  Morning Star News

  Madengho Badir says he has not slept since his three children (aged five, seven and ten) were snatched from their family home in Kabuna, east Uganda, on December 9th. Madengho acknowledges that their kidnappers are trying to force him to return to Islam. "I know God will answer our prayers, and I will get back my three children, since my only hope is in Jesus," the concerned father expresses with heartfelt emotion.

  Meanwhile, about 12 miles away, in Komodo, friends and family are mourning the death of a Christian policeman known as Ismail Kuloba, who was shot dead the day before the reported kidnapping of the children. It seems that he, too, was targeted for leaving Islam to follow Jesus. Suspected extremists ambushed Ismail after summoning him on false pretences to deal with a "local land dispute." When Ismail arrived at the scene, there was no such dispute -- only a group of Islamist extremists planning to kill him.

  Please join us in praying with Madengho that his three children will soon be returned home safely. In the meantime, may God divinely protect these little ones from any fear or harm, surrounding them with His angels and blanketing them with great peace. And on behalf of Ismail's grieving family, ask that the Lord's comforting presence will be with them in special ways and His provision for their every need be fulfilled. Also intercede for the salvation of the perpetrators, in hopes that they will be convicted of wrongdoing and forever changed by God's saving grace and power. May the light of our Saviour and Lord Jesus shine brightly in this land so that all may behold His wonderful glory!