Persecution update from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, and Indonesia
by Staff
June 13, 2007
(christiansunite.com) - 1. Christians Accused of Destroying Buddha Statues in Sri LankaThree Christians, Pastor Suresh Ramachandran, Pastor Christian Velu Selvarajah and Stephen Thomas, were arrested on charges of destroying two roadside Buddha statues in Ukelipitiya and Thalathuoya, Kandy District on May 27, according to a May 31 report from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. Ramachandran, who is also the principal of the Mt. Carmel Theological College, was released on May 28 after providing the police with a valid alibi. Buddhists angered by his release held demonstrations outside the college and Ramachandran has since received several threats. Selvarajah and Thomas, who deny the charges, are still in police custody. A hearing is scheduled for June 7.
Pray that the truth will come out in this situation and that the charges against these Christians will be dropped. Pray that Sri Lankan Christians facing persecution will not give in to fear but continue to trust in God (2 Timothy 1:7).
For more information on persecution in Sri Lanka, go to www.persecution.ne t/country/srilanka.htm.
2. Christian Nurses Accused of Blasphemy in Pakistan
Christian staff at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Islamabad face accusations of blasphemy, according to a June 1 report from All Pakistan Minorities Alliance. On May 17, Muslim nurses found lines drawn through Quranic verses posted on a notice board and told the nursing school administration that the Christians were responsible. On June 1, Muslims demonstrated against the Christians and demanded that they be charged with blasphemy. In response, the school's administration has filed a complaint. The principal of the school, Ms. Stella, was suspended along with four student nurses. All five deny any involvement in the vandalism.
Pray that all charges will be dropped against these Christian women. Pray that they will stand firm in the face of these allegations. Pray that they will demonstrate Christ's love and compassion to those opposing them (Romans 12:17-21).
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to www.persecution.net/country/pakistan.htm.
3. Christians Beaten in Madhya Pradesh, India
At approximately 2:30 pm on June 3, a mob of Hindu militants disrupted a church service that Pastor Mukesh Pal was conducting in his home. The militants threatened the believers present with dire consequences if they did not leave. They warned Pastor Pal against continuing his Christian work in the area and also damaged the building.
In a separate incident on June 3, the home of Pastor Bheem Singh in Kharward district was attacked after he returned from a Sunday morning service. Singh's aged father and his wife were injured.
Ask God to strengthen and heal those who have been assaulted. Pray that the faithfulness of Indian Christians will be a light that draws others to Christ (Matthew 5:14-16).
For more information on the continuing persecution of Christians in India, go to www.persecution.net/country/india.htm. Several videos on the persecution of Christians in India are available on VOMC's multimedia website, www.persecution.tv.
4. Church Attacked in Indonesia
Muslim militants stormed the Sidang Jemaat Allah Church in Gading Tutuka, West Java at approximately 9:30 a.m. on June 3, according to a June 4 report from Asia News. The militants struck the pastor's wife in the head with a Bible and demanded that the children's Sunday school activities cease. They also destroyed four images of Christ. A witness claimed that the attackers, who identified themselves as members of the Anti-Apostasy Movement Alliance (AGAP), said the church did not have the necessary permits to conduct services. According to a church member, however, the church has had its permits for religious services for the past seven years.
Pray that there will be no further attacks on this church. Ask God to give these believers opportunities to share their faith with their persecutors. Pray that Christians in Indonesia will be encouraged to continue to meet together despite opposition (Hebrews 10:23-25).
For more information on persecution in Indonesia, go to www.persecution.net/country/indonesia.htm.
