PERSECUTED CHURCH NEWS

Violent Attacks Against Christians

Source(s): Forum 18Date: 14 March 2019
Tamchi Police Station
Photo: Wikimedia/Vmenkov (cc)
In October 2018, a young Christian, Eldos Sattar uuly, sustained a broken jaw and other injuries after a violent attack in the Issyk-Kul Region of Kyrgyzstan (seethis report). While those responsible were charged, they were sentenced to house arrest, which is not being enforced.

Problems have continued for Christians in the area. People in the village of Tamchi report continuing attacks against them from December through to February. In the most recent incident, a Muslim from the village was also beaten by ten people because he was a good friend of Eldos. There are rumours that local militants plan to destroy the homes of Christians in Tamchi and two other nearby villages.

According to reports from the area, Eldos and his uncle Nurbek Esenaly uuly have left in fear. When Eldos' lawyer complained about the inaction of the authorities, she was threatened with charges against her for "inciting religious conflict and sowing discord among people."

Remember those in Kyrgyzstan who are being wrongly mistreated, accused and beaten. May Eldos, his uncle Nurbek, and others who have fled for safety find the refuge and rest they need. Pray for God's righteousness and justice to be upheld, and that the work of the Gospel will be able to continue in Tamchi and throughout the region.

Mysterious Disappearance of Church Affiliate

Source(s): VOM Korea, Early Rain Covenant ChurchDate: 14 March 2019
Early Rain Covenant Church meets outside.
Photo: ChinaAid
Since the arrest of over 100 members of the Early Rain Covenant Church in December, authorities have continued to charge, detain and harass Christians associated with the church. For more information on the original raid, click here.

One member, Pan Fei, has been arrested several times since the original attack. After the first time he was detained, interrogated and released, he moved to a new home. Yet, he continued to be harassed by the local authorities who frequently broke into his residence.

Due to government pressure, Pan Fei was also fired from his job at the Yong Hui shopping mall. Early this month, he managed to find a new job. However, on March 4th, he mysteriously disappeared and, at last report, there had been no communication with friends or family. The Early Rain Covenant Church has requested prayer for him: "We pray fervently for this lamb who has been captured and separated from the Lord Jesus Christ's flock. May God's Spirit be with him and protect his body and soul!"

Please join with these church members in praying for Pan Fei. May he be protected from harm and safely returned to his concerned family and friends soon. Pray for the many other believers who are still being detained in prison -- including Pastor Wang Yi and his wife, both of whom have been accused of "inciting to subvert state power."

Pastor Beaten Unconscious

Source(s): Morning Star News, International Christian ConcernDate: 14 March 2019
Garissa, Kenya
Photo: Wikimedia/Adam H T Geelle (cc)
An underground pastor in eastern Kenya, near the Somali border, was severely beaten on the night of March 8th. Muslim militants assaulted him with wooden clubs, leaving him unconscious and with a broken leg, bruises and other injuries.

Pastor Abdul (surname withheld for security reasons) is a 30-year-old father of three. He serves as pastor to an underground church consisting of 30 former Muslims who, for safety, meet in small groups on varying days. He was on his way home after a prayer gathering on the outskirts of Garissa when several Somali Muslims attacked him. Most ethnic Somalis believe that all people of their nationality must adhere to Islam.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Abdul stated: "I'm almost unable to bear the pain. My family is in great fear, and Christians have located us to another place. Our prayer for now is to get a safe place for my family. My life, and that of my family, is at stake."

Please pray for the safety of Abdul and his family. May the Kenyan authorities be able to maintain peace and safety for all citizens in this volatile area of their country. Ask the "Great Physician" to minister to the wounds Abdul incurred during the attack so they will heal quickly and completely. May the Lord also enable him to continue fulfilling his pastoral ministry in the new location, providing further opportunities to reach others with the salvation message. Pray that the Somalis living in eastern Kenya will personally experience the love and grace of Christ and, as a result, turn to Him in faith.