New Blog for VOMC

For the latest international news, please visit our new blog site. For country-specific information, statistics, and reports, please visit our Restricted Nations page and select your country of interest.

Thank you to our many subscribers and regular visitors.

The Enduring Church

While in parts of the world, it appears that the church is on the verge of extinction, you’ll receive evidence throughout these pages that God is clearly at work. Whether reporting from China, Sri Lanka, parts of Asia, the countries of East Africa, or the ancient land of Iraq, VOM will introduce you to integral members of “The Enduring Church,” immoveable even in the face of persecution. 

The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter is the flagship publication of The Voice of the Martyrs in Canada. Published monthly, it is available free of charge to anyone in Canada who requests it. You can subscribe by calling our office or by filling out our online form.

Pastors issued ultimatum in Sri Lanka

by VOM Canada Staff

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

Christians in Sri Lanka are facing uncertain circumstances following the issuance of an indirect ultimatum by the government of the Hambanthota District to provide proof of their “legality” or be shut down.

 VOM partners say on May 10th, 2013 District Secretary R. C. de. Soyza summoned a meeting of Christian clergy with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Buddhist clergy, and high ranking police officers. During the 3-hour meeting, Buddhist clergy set forth various accusations against the pastors present. Those in attendance were given very little opportunity to respond.

The District Secretary instructed police to bring all pastors from the district to a follow up meeting which took place on the 17th. During this meeting, a Buddhist monk said that 17 churches had already been closed down. The meeting continued with threats to close functioning churches in Hambanthota.

In their response, church leaders presented the fact that Sri Lankan law does provide Christians with the right to practice their religion and does not require registration with the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The meeting concluded without any definitive decision to close any churches.

This is only one more evidence of mounting hostility towards Christianity in Sri Lanka. In 2013 alone, around 30 churches experienced a wave of violence. These attacks have occurred with little or no state action to prosecute those responsible.

Please pray for Sri Lankan Christians:

• Pray that our Christian brothers and sisters will continue to place their trust in the Lord during this time of increased pressure and persecution.
• Pray for his protection for those who are at risk of physical violence.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit will grant church leaders discernment on how to appropriately respond to the situation.

The Ancient Gardener

Photo: Flickr / amiefedora

Two Christians each planted an apple tree in front of his house. When the time for reaping apples came, the first looked angrily at his tree: it bore not even one apple. When he approached his neighbour’s house, he became even angrier. The branches of his brother’s tree were cracking under the weight of beautiful fruits. He asked his brother, “Explain this to me. We planted our trees at the same time; we serve the same God. How is it that He gave you so many apples and none to me?”

The other answered, “Perhaps you did not pray for your tree.” “What! Not pray?” said the first. “I prayed every day: ‘God, give rain; God, enough, now stop the rain. God, sun is needed now; too much now, it might scorch my tree.’ I never neglected prayer, and it was all in vain. How did you do it?” The brother replied, “I am not so keen at prayer as you are. I prayed only once, in the beginning, like this: ‘Father, I have planted an apple tree and wish to have fruit in due time. It is not for me to teach You how much sun and rain to give. You are a more ancient gardener than myself. You created Eden and all trees grow under Your direction. Grant me apples in due time.”

Excerpted from Richard Wurmband’s 100 Prison Meditations, p. 66.

The Voice of the Martyrs was founded in the mid-1960s by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned and tortured by Communist authorities in his native Romania for 14 years. While still in prison, Pastor Wurmbrand envisioned a ministry that would focus on the plight of the persecuted Church, raise a voice on their behalf, and provide encouragement and assistance to them.

Prisoner of faith: Pastor Chhedar Bhote

Pastor Chhedar Bhote Lhomi was arrested for eating beef and sentenced to 12 years in prison. The 37-year-old pastor and his wife were ministering in a remote part of Nepal among Tibetan people. They established a church there which met regularly.

Pastor Bhote and his wife are from an area of Nepal where eating beef is permissible, but in other areas, local Hindus do not eat beef because cows and oxen are sacred as symbols of the gods. In October 2012, local villagers discovered that Chhedar and his family had eaten beef. In an uproar, they accused him of killing the cow himself, and they destroyed his home and everything he owned. The locals handed them over to the Hindu committee, who called police and had him arrested. He was given a sentence of 12 years in prison.

When a VOM representative recently met with Chhedar, he was sad and discouraged. Chhedar’s family is struggling without him. He is worried about his children’s future and his wife’s ability to provide for them. The other students tease and mock his three children, ages 10, 8 and 7, relentlessly.

The VOM representative wrote, “Please help to get more letters in the jail so that he will know he has believers around the world who are praying for him.”

Encourage Pastor Bhote by writing him a letter!

When writing, never mention the name of the source of your information or the name of any organization such as VOM. It is not dangerous for a prisoner to receive letters from individuals, but if an organization is mentioned they may be accused of links with “foreign organizations” and receive harsher sentences. Also, please do not state anything negative about their government.

To compose a letter in Pastor Bhote’s own language, please visit www.PrisonerAlert.com. To learn more about letter writing, click here.

Please mail your letters to the following address:

Pastor Chhedar Bhote
Nakkhu Kargar Sauybu-4
Cod No 44700 GPR Block
Kakkhu Lalitpur
Kathmandu, Nepal

God’s Witness Protection Program

The June issue of The Voice of the Martyrs publication is now available!

Home, especially when surrounded by close-knit family, should be the safest place of all. Yet for many of our persecuted brothers and sisters, it can be the most dangerous. Discover how “Rachel,” “Musa” and “Rebekah” were rescued from life-threatening circumstances and provided a safe place of refuge, healing and renewed hope through God’s Witness Protection Program.

The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter is the flagship publication of The Voice of the Martyrs in Canada. Published monthly, it is available free of charge to anyone in Canada who requests it. You can subscribe by calling our office or by filling out our online form.

VOM events this summer!

Join us to hear testimonies and stories of persecuted Christians around the world. VOM speakers will be present at various locations in June and July.

Sunday, June 2, 2013 10:30 a.m.

Mountain View Christian Assembly

525 Whitmore Avenue East

Dauphin, MB R7N 2V3

Speaker: Greg Musselman

Contact: 204-638-4355

CLICK HERE to download the poster (PDF)

Sunday, June 2, 2013 6:30 p.m.

Sovereign Grace Baptist

32444-7th Avenue

Mission, BC

Speaker: Karen Hall

Contact: 604-820-3448 (Church)

Sunday, July 14, 2013 10 a.m.

West Meadows Baptist Church

9333 – 199 Street

Edmonton, AB  T5T 6E8

Speaker: Greg Musselman

Contact: 780-451-3881 (Pastor Kevin Schular)

Sunday, July 14, 2013 6 p.m.

New Life Assembly

28 First Avenue

Sioux Lookout, ON P8T1E8

Speaker: Jason Ryan

Contact: 1-888-298-6423

CLICK HERE to download the poster (PDF)

For other upcoming events, visit our website.

Ethiopia: Family Divided, Then Reunited!

"Abdu" and his father "Suleman" now spend time praying and studying the Bible together, which is amazing considering that they had been estranged for almost two decades. "Suleman" wanted nothing to do with his son for many years. In fact, he even tried to kill him with a spear when he learned Abdu had become a Christian.

Travel with a VOM team to Ethiopia to hear firsthand how Abdu and his parents came to Christ, and how Christians in Canada are helping missionaries like him advance God's Kingdom in this historic land.

[Length: 9:40 minutes]


For other videos like this one, visit our multimedia site.

Provision for Believers After Loss of Jobs and Homes in Myanmar

Photo: Flickr / worak

Persecution is increasing in Myanmar as more people turn to Jesus Christ. As a result, Buddhists who've converted to Christianity are finding it difficult keeping their jobs, while facing the very real possibility of being driven from their homes.

Two families currently working with VOM's Burma fish farm project are grateful for God's provision after having personally lost their jobs and homes since coming to faith in Christ last July. One family is living in a hut used for secret worship services, while the other is living in a hut where fish feed is stored.

Amid the increasing pressure, the fish farm just completed its second harvest cycle. And thankfully, despite setbacks from flooding and government opposition, the farm has generated an income. This income will be invested in church planting, with a portion of it being re-invested to make the farm more productive.

Praise God for these faithful believers in Myanmar. Pray that He will continue to grant them grace and strength amid their challenging circumstances (Colossians 1:11). May His provision continue in abundance, serving as a witness of His goodness and mercy.

This story was originally published in our Persecution & Prayer Alert. Every week, The Persecution & Prayer Alert delivers specific prayer requests from restricted nations around the world directly to your inbox. You can also read the stories on our website. To sign up to receive the prayer alert, click here.

Words from our founder: Pray with Understanding

Atheists do not acknowledge the invisible sources of their life. They have no sense for what is mystery in the universe and in life. Christians can help them best by walking themselves not by sight, but by faith, leading a life of fellowship with the invisible God.

Western Christians can help by praying for the communists that they may be saved. Such a prayer may seem naive. We prayed for the communists, and they tortured us the next day. But the prayer of the Lord of Jerusalem was also “naive.” They crucified Him after this prayer. But only a few days later, they beat their breasts and five thousand were converted in one day.

For the others, too, the prayer was not lost. Fulfilling the word of Christ, many other Christians and I always prayed for Hitler and his men. And I am sure that our prayer helped to defeat him as much as the bullets of the allied soldiers.

We have to love our neighbours as ourselves. Communists and other persecutors are our neighbours as much as anyone else.

I am not so naive as to believe that love alone can solve these problems. I would not advise the authorities of a state to solve the problem of gangsterism only by love. There must be a police force, judges and prisons for gangsters–not just pastors. But the pastor and the individual Christian have to do their best to bring the communist and other persecutor to Christ. We have to pray for them with understanding.

Excerpted and edited by VOM staff from Richard Wurmbrand’s Tortured for Christ, available through VOM.

The Voice of the Martyrs was founded in the mid-1960s by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned and tortured by Communist authorities in his native Romania for 14 years. While still in prison, Pastor Wurmbrand envisioned a ministry that would focus on the plight of the persecuted Church, raise a voice on their behalf, and provide encouragement and assistance to them.

Threat or Opportunity?

The May issue of The Voice of the Martyrs publication is now available!

While Jesus warned that there will be “wars and rumours of war,” we can stand firm in anticipation of His imminent return. So instead of perceiving the ‘signs of the times’ as threats, let’s look beyond to the opportunities...as witnesses of His amazing grace among all the nations of the world.

The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter is the flagship publication of The Voice of the Martyrs in Canada. Published monthly, it is available free of charge to anyone in Canada who requests it. You can subscribe by calling our office or by filling out our online form.

Upcoming events in May!

We invite you to join us at one of the VOM events coming up in Ontario

Wednesday, May 1, 2013 9:30 p.m.

Windmill Point Church of Christ

560 Stonemill Road

Ridgeway, ON L0S 1N0

Speaker: Kathi Williams

Contact: 905-894-4948 (Jayne); kate57@live.ca (Kate Clements)

CLICK HERE to download the poster (PDF)

Saturday, May 25, 2013 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kingdom Roots Women's Conference

Churchill Meadows Christian Church

7755 Tenth Line West

Mississauga, ON L5N 0C4

Main speakers: Wendy Farha & Takoosh Hovsepian

Contact: 1-888-298-6423

CLICK HERE to register
Join and share the Facebook event!

To view other upcoming VOM events or to request a speaker, please visit our events page or contact our office.

Country Profile: North Korea

North Korea is arguably the most isolated country in the world. On Russian insistence, Korea was partitioned after World War II, and a Communist regime took power in 1948. North Korea invaded the South in 1950, and civil war dragged on until 1953. Today, the fortified border between the Koreas is one of the most impenetrable in the world, watched by a huge military force.

The country’s dictator, “Dear Leader” Kim Jong-Il, had presided over one of the most repressive regimes in the world until his death in December 2011, passing down his mantle of leadership to son Kim Jong-Un. The country is completely dedicated to the ideology of Juche, which means “self-reliance.”

The only acceptable religion is Juche, or “Kim Il-Sung-ism,” the cult of the deceased leader. All other religions are harshly repressed. Hundreds of thousands of Christians have died because of persecution, and up to 35,000 are currently in prisons or work camps. The true number of Christians is unknown, though estimated by most reliable sources to be around 100,000.

After decades of economic mismanagement and resource misallocation, North Korea has relied heavily on international aid to feed its population since the mid-1990s. Chronic food shortages and widespread malnutrition are rampant. North Korea's history of regional military provocations, proliferation of military-related items, long-range missile development, “weapons of mass destruction” programs and massive conventional armed forces are of major concern to the international community.

As Juche becomes increasingly weak and deluded, North Korea and its regime appear ever more vulnerable. According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. intelligence depicts Jong-Un as "a volatile youth with a sadistic streak who may be even more unpredictable than his late father."

Prayer Requests

• Pray North Korean believers will persevere in what is probably the most difficult country to be a Christian.
• Pray for the leader and his cadre that the Holy Spirit will bring them to repentance and belief.
• Pray for a watershed moment in God’s timing that will bring thorough change, freedom and complete transformation to this land.
• Pray for safety for North Korean refugees in China who live in hiding and are hunted by Chinese and North Korean agents.

For reports and accompanying prayer requests on other countries hostile to the gospel, visit our Restricted Nations site.

Kingdom Roots Women's Conference

The Voice of the Martyrs and Churchill Meadows Christian Church presents

Saturday, May 25, 2013
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Churchill Meadows Christian Church
7755 Tenth Line W.
Mississauga, ON L5N 0C4

The purpose of the Kingdom Roots Women's Conference is two-fold: to bless the persecuted Church, and to mentor women in growing through adversity. For many of the women attending this conference, the idea of persecution will be new. For some of our long-time supporters, persecution is the reason your knees have been well worn in prayer. No matter where your familiarity lies, this conference promises to meet you where you’re at, and provide an opportunity to bless women both locally and worldwide.

The proceeds will be divided between The Interim Place, a local shelter for abused women and children; and The Underground Church Fund, providing assistance and encouragement to believers in severely restricted areas. Jesus announced these timely words in Matthew 13:21:

“...but since they have no root, they last only a short time. 

When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”  

The conference name, "Kingdom Roots," is born out of this passage. The Lord is directing us to create a conference where women of all levels of Christian maturity can grow.

One thing that becomes obvious in the presence of the persecuted is their remarkable joy. There is an unearthly joy that fills those who have experienced God’s nearness in the furnace of great trials. Many have remarked that it is through moments of laughter they are able to cope with the pain and struggle. With this in mind, we are blessed to have Wendy Farha with us. Wendy is a Montreal-based comedian who has learned the joy of walking through the fire with our Saviour. Wendy will begin our day with laughter as she leads us into more intimate moments and prepares our hearts to receive the message of the persecuted.

The testimony of Haik Hovsepian speaks profoundly on the DVD, A Cry from Iran. Haik was martyred for his faith in Christ. His wife, Takoosh Hovsepian, carries on the ministry of spreading the Good News by sharing how the Lord has brought her through the violent loss of her husband.

Takoosh will be candidly sharing in one of our featured workshops and also in the main auditorium during the afternoon session.

Daphne BevAqua, whose voice is presently featured on many Canadian Christian radio stations, will lead us in worship. Julie Bonany, a home-schooling mother of three and women’s ministry leader of 10 years, will bless us with her delightful balance of wisdom and humour. And, of course, VOM’s very own Ingrid Hajen will present two workshops, taking us through a special time of prayer for the persecuted.

Ladies, please invite your friends and family for a day you won’t soon forget: May 25th at the Churchill Meadows Christian Church in Mississauga.

Faithfully in Christ,

Vanessa Brobbel
Kingdom Roots Women’s Conference Coordinator
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada

For more information, download the event poster 
or join the Facebook event!

To register, click here.

Words from our founder: Enlarging our hearts

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” – 1 Peter 2:21

Flickr / Rachel James

As for us, our hearts go out to the martyrs. Not that we pity them. Their chains are of pure gold. Their cross is perfumed. All those whose spiritual senses are alive know it. To Christians, prison has always been a delectable orchard where the sweetest nectar flows. Neither do we give to the sufferings of the martyrs in honour due only to the cross of Christ. Only to this cross apply the words of John Chrysostom, “The cross is the will of the Father, the honour of the Son, the joy of the Spirit, the jewel of angels, the assurance of the faithful, the glory of Paul. By the cross we know the gravity of sin and the greatness of God’s love towards men.” But the true knowledge of the state of persecuted Christians will enlarge our minds and hearts and will help us to follow in the footsteps of Christ.

The Psalmist loved the house of God. So does every Christian. Next Sunday when you sit comfortably in your pew, remember Russia’s churches that were changed into warehouses, museums, factories and dancing clubs. Out of 50,000 Orthodox church before the Revolution (1917), only 7,000 remained. Remember the churches who have to bear the mockeries.

But the temple of the Holy Spirit is the Christian himself. Against him the great fight is fought.

Excerpted and edited by VOM staff from Richard Wurmbrand’s If that were Christ, would you give him your blanket? (Not in print).

The Voice of the Martyrs was founded in the mid-1960s by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned and tortured by Communist authorities in his native Romania for 14 years. While still in prison, Pastor Wurmbrand envisioned a ministry that would focus on the plight of the persecuted Church, raise a voice on their behalf, and provide encouragement and assistance to them.

IRAN: Asylum Rejected by Swedish Authorities

Majid and Hamid Khosravi
(Photo: Mohabat News)

Source: Mohabat News

According to two recent reports, Iranian Christian converts currently living in Sweden are now at risk of deportation following decisions made by the Swedish Immigration Board rejecting their asylum applications.

Due to harassment and persecution by the Islamic secret police, Majid and Hamid Khosravi, who both converted to Christianity approximately ten years ago, decided to leave the country of Iran and seek asylum in Sweden. Those on the Swedish Immigration Board were not convinced of the two young men's Christian faith and the risk deportation could pose on their lives. (In Iran, converting from Islam to any religion is considered apostasy and, therefore, punishable by death.) Contrary to the board's conclusion, the senior pastor of the Iranian church in Stockholm testifies that both of these young men had actively served on the worship team of the Persian-speaking church and were also contributors to Iranian Christian TV networks and websites.

Another Christian convert, Parvaneh Sarabadi, also faces deportation to Iran. Shortly after converting from Islam to Christianity about two years ago, her husband, who became a believer about the same time, was murdered by a relative working for the government's Islamic regime. Forced to illegally leave the country due to severe harassment, sexual abuse and mental pressure, Parvaneh fled to Sweden where she, too, sought refuge. Despite confirmations from the church regarding her claim, and the support of several human rights advocacy groups, her application was turned down as well. To better understand the challenges facing Iranian believers, please go to the Iran Country Report.

Pray that our Almighty God will mediate on behalf of these suffering believers who are desperately seeking asylum, especially considering that they are at risk of further threat, torture and persecution. May He abundantly bless our Christian brothers, Majid and Hamid, as well as our dear sister Parvaneh, for demonstrating such steadfast faith. Please intercede for their protection and greatly needed strength throughout this time of tribulation. Also ask that God will enlighten the minds of all those in positions of authority and political power in both of these countries so they will govern justly over all of God's people.

This story was originally published in our Persecution & Prayer Alert. Every week, The Persecution & Prayer Alert delivers specific prayer requests from restricted nations around the world directly to your inbox. You can also read the stories on our website. To sign up to receive the prayer alert, click here.

Whatever it Takes

The April issue of The Voice of the Martyrs publication is now available!

In this issue, you will take a journey into the most dangerous and hostile parts of the world for a cause that’s undeniably well worth the risk, perseverance and sacrifice. Whether it requires travelling across the sweltering Sahara desert, ascending China’s rugged mountains, manoeuvring through the Amazon jungle...you will discover that these courageous believers will do “Whatever It Takes” to deliver the “Good News.”

The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter is the flagship publication of The Voice of the Martyrs in Canada. Published monthly, it is available free of charge to anyone in Canada who requests it. You can subscribe by calling our office or by filling out our online form.

VOM speakers in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba this April

VOM speakers will be present at various events in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba this April! Join us to hear stories and testimonies that inspire you in your walk with God. 

April 11 - 13, 2013

MissionFest Toronto - Booth D5

Global Kingdom Ministries

1250 Markham Road

Scarborough, ON M1H 2Y9

Contact: 1-888-298-6423

Sunday, April 14, 2013 10 a.m.

Highway Christian Centre

10436 63 Avenue

Edmonton, AB

Speaker: Greg Musselman

Contact: 780-434-1710

Sunday, April 14, 2013 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Mount Forest Faith Baptist Church

485 King Street East

Mount Forest, ON N0G 2L2

Speaker: Paul Brauen

Contact: 519-338-9967 (Harry Bouwman)

Saturday, April 20, 2013 6:30 p.m.

Bethel Community Church

430 Lakewood Blvd

St Vital, MB

Speaker: Jason Ryan

Contact: 1-888-298-6423

CLICK HERE to download the poster (PDF)

Saturday, April 20, 2013 6:30 p.m.

St. George’s Anglican Church

1949 Devonshire Court

Windsor, ON N8Y 1P8

Speaker: Doug McKenzie

Contact: 1-519-254-1834 (Father Gordon Maitland)

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Zion Lutheran Church 

4521 54 Avenue

Rimbey, AB

Speaker: Ingrid Hajen

Contact: 1-888-298-6423

Sunday, April 28, 2013 8:30 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

St. Aidan’s Anglican Church

274 Campbell Street
Winnipeg, MB R3N 1B5

Speaker: Jason Ryan

Contact: 204-421-8019

CLICK HERE to download the poster (PDF)

To view other upcoming VOM events or to request a speaker, please visit our Events page or contact our office.

A Hero in Libya

The following is a tribute written by Dr. Hany for his friend, Ezzat Abdel-Malek, who passed away on March 10th. To read the original report on the arrest of these Christian businessmen, please click here.

“This morning I received the news that my brother and friend Ezzat was killed in Libya.

He was arrested, tortured and killed by the Libyan authority.

His crime was sharing the Good News with others.

He left his wife and two kids.

Ezzat is a hero.

Heroes cannot throw out dangers but they can throw out fears.

We mustn't disgrace our lives in Christ by standing in fear of death.

Death is no more than transforming us from mortal status to eternity and immortality.

Death is not the end of their story but only the next chapter.

Will our actions continue impacting the world after our departure?

Will the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the blind and the bruised hear the name of Jesus and receive His salvation long after we're gone?

Heroes who have lost their lives in battle will not be forgotten.

Those of us who knew Ezzat best will tell stories of his bravery, his heroism and his sacrifice.

Ezzat was steadfast throughout torturing and embraced death with a smile and peace.

He is gone from this life but he will not be forgotten as he will live on within us.

He has taken his place in heaven and will spend eternity with God and with those whose hearts are brave, good and full of love to God just like his own.

Heroes like Ezzat have made us better people and, for that, we should be grateful.

His memory will live on through us and it is our privilege and responsibility to ensure he is remembered forever for how honorably he lived, how bravely he broke through the powers of darkness and strongholds, and how honestly he loved his Saviour.

We will carry the memory of these heroes of faith in our hearts forever; we will celebrate their lives and cherish the memories of their tremendous loyalty, unwavering convictions and deep true love for Jesus.

For the powers of darkness in Libya, they might think that they got rid of one of God’s “light-bearers” but, as a matter of fact, we can now be more confident than ever that Libya is for Christ.

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding keep his wife’s and kids’ hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Hallelujah.”

By Dr. Hany

Ezzat Hakim Atalla Abdel-Malek
Photo: AsiaNews

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Revelation 12:11

Homes Set Ablaze by Mob of Extremists in Pakistan

Damaged property from the fire

According to the most recent reports, hundreds of homes in a Christian neighbourhood of Lahore were set on fire by thousands of militant Muslims, during two days of violence that began during the evening of March 8th, and then continued again the following morning. The attacks were sparked by yet another incident involving blasphemy allegations against a local Christian.

It all began when a young man by the name of Sawan Masih got involved in a petty dispute with a close Muslim friend. Following the incident, police arrested Sawan who was accused of blasphemy. When the allegations were broadcast from mosque loudspeakers, thousands of Muslims went on a rampage in the community, setting fire to approximately 200 homes. In addition, two churches, a chapel and many shops were vandalized; numerous Christians had been beaten; houses were looted; and hundreds of Bibles purposely burned. Fearing for their lives, nearly all the residents of this terror-stricken region fled, some on the advice of local police. For more on the challenges facing Christians in Pakistan, go to the Pakistan Country Report.

Pray that in the aftermath of these violent attacks, the people of this Christian community will be granted the courage and hope needed to rebuild their lives and emerge even stronger in their faith. May those with political power and influence take a strong stand against such terrible acts of lawlessness, proactively doing more to protect all the innocent and vulnerable members of the community. Also pray that the charges made against Sawan will be dropped, and that his family and community will be protected from further incidents of violence.