PERSECUTED CHURCH

[totallylovedbygod]

"Be not silent, O God of my praise! For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues." ~ Psalm 109:1-2 ESV​

INDIA: Christians Arrested at Wedding Reception​ Sources: International Christian Concern, Steadfast Global​ ​ ​ Numerous arrests took place at the wedding reception held for a pastor's daughter and son-in-law on November 28th. Acting on accusations from Hindu nationalists in the community, police raided the gathering at the pastor's house in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. The host attempted to explain that it was simply a wedding reception and not, as alleged by community members, a "conversion program." However, his pleas were ignored. Nine pastors and the newly married couple were arrested and charged under the state's anti-conversion legislation. The misuse of this legislation appears to be increasing throughout the northern state. A Christian leader in the area reported that more than 200 churches have been shut down and 52 Christians were arrested during the past few months. Another leader lamented, "Christians are living under the fear of being targeted and attacked for no reason, and police just need a complaint for them to act and send them to jail under the anti-conversion law." To learn more about the persecution of Christians throughout India, and/or to review previously posted prayer alert reports, go to our country report. Pray that the nine detained pastors and the newly married Christian couple will soon be released. May a spirit of understanding and tolerance move across the nation of India, so that the religious differences of others can be respected by the Hindu-majority population. Ask for God's wisdom and blessings to be upon the ministry of believers throughout India, especially as they now must contend with the heightened legal challenges resulting from the country's anti-conversion laws. SUDAN: Church Leader Arrested on False Allegations​ Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Church in Chains, Morning Star News​ A chapel in Sudan. Photo: VOMC ​ ​ For two years, Abdalla Haroun Sulieman lived in Lebanon. Upon returning to Sudan in February 2022, Abdalla declared that he had come to faith in Christ. While sharing his newfound faith with the people of his community, he also prayed with them, frequently asking God to minister healing to those struggling with infirmities. Many people in the area began to visit his home, asking the Christian man to pray for their healing as well. Abdalla refused to accept any form of payment from the individuals for whom he prayed; instead, he and others freely provided those in need with food and accommodation. Unfortunately, some militant Muslims living in the area became unhappy with all the attention generated by the prayer gatherings. These protestors persuaded police to arrest the Christian on allegations of "witchcraft" and "fraud." Abdalla was detained by police on November 21st and, after being charged with witchcraft, the local prosecutor approved his release on bail seven days later. However, the accused believer was then transferred to the Abu Ushab police station where he was also charged with fraud. Abdalla was finally released on November 29th. After Omar al-Bashir was ousted from his political role as presidential dictator of Sudan in 2019, some advances were made in religious freedom. However, in October 2021, a military coup tried to take control. In the aftermath of the uprising, allies of the deposed president were released from prison, and some were appointed to positions of power. At this present time, the future of religious freedom in the country remains uncertain. For further information on the challenges being encountered by Christians in Sudan, go to our country report. Please pray for Abdalla as he faces these allegations. May the Lord grant him peace, protection and wisdom throughout the ordeal. While we can be thankful that he is not presently being detained, pray that both of the charges against him will be dropped. Additionally, pray for this believer's ongoing ministry, asking the Lord to fill His faithful servant Abdalla with courage so he can continue to pray and minister among his spiritually hungry community despite opposition. REPORT UPDATES​ CHINA: Trial for Church Elder Under Strict Security​ Source: ChinaAid​ Elder Zhang Chunlei Photo: ChinaAid ​ ​ In March 2021, the Ren'ai Reformed Church in Guiyang, China, was raided by agents of the religious affairs bureau, together with public security officers. During the raid, ten church members were taken into custody. The church leader, Elder Zhang Chunlei, attempted to negotiate with the police; however, after doing so, he himself became detained. For more details on the initial incident, see this page. Elder Zhang remained in detention without charge for 19 months until his trial finally began on November 29th of this year. He was charged with fraud and inciting subversion of state power. For reasons unknown, the trial was held in secret under very strict security. His wife, Yang Aiqing, applied to attend the trial but was denied. She was also not allowed to see him after the trial concluded, which is normally allowed. Members of the church who waited outside the entrance of the courthouse during the trial were removed by security personnel. Reports indicate that, despite his time in prison, Elder Zhang appears healthy. During the six-hour trial, the church leader denied all allegations of fraud and subversion, explaining that the purpose of his ministry work is for the sake of the Gospel. The verdict was not announced during the trial and, at last report, is still unknown. Pray for a positive outcome for Elder Zhang, specifically asking that he be exonerated of all accusations. In the meantime, while awaiting news of the verdict, may his wife be permitted to visit him. Please also prayerfully remember the other members of the Ren'ai church who continue to be harassed by the authorities, as well as Christians throughout China who are currently being detained for their faith in Christ. May each of these persecuted believers receive greatly needed encouragement, comfort and strength so they can persevere and serve as effective witnesses to those greatly in need of eternal salvation. INDIA: Christian Leader Released on Bail​ Source: VOMC's International Ministry Contacts​ Last week's Persecution & Prayer Alert reported on a Christian leader in northeastern India referred to as "Brother B." We are thankful to announce that this believer, who had been imprisoned since mid-October, was released on bail during his hearing on November 28th. For more details on the incident, visit this page. Praise God that this Christian brother was released from prison. Please continue to uphold him in your prayers as he may have to deal with ongoing legal issues. May the Lord's strengthening presence and peace wonderfully sustain this dedicated leader, abundantly blessing his ministry work in India so that much spiritual fruit will be produced for the furtherance of God's Kingdom.