Somali Mother of Four Killed for Her Faith

On January 5, Asha Mberwa’s husband, Abdinazir Mohammed Hassan called his wife to make arrangements to move the family out of the area because of Asha’s fears that their lives were threatened. Al Shabaab extremists, who control large parts of Mogadishu, monitored the conversation and confirmed that she had become a Christian. She was arrested the next day.
Then on January 7, in front of villagers in Warbhigly, on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Islamic extremists slit the throat of 36 year old Asha Mberwa because of her faith in Christ. She is survived by her children – ages 12, 8, 6 and 4 – and her husband of 17 years, who was not home at the time she was apprehended. According to Compass News Asha’s children are being cared by “a good Samaritan” in Mogadishu. Her children, traumatized by their mother’s violent death, continue to weep and cry out for her.
Al Shabaab insurgents have embarked on a campaign to rid the country of its hidden Christian population. With estimates of al Shabaab’s size ranging from 3,000 to 7,000, the insurgents seek to impose a strict version of sharia (Islamic law). Said to have ties with al Qaeda, al Shabaab has been designated a terrorist organization by several western governments.
The transitional government in Mogadishu, fighting to retain control of the country, treats Christians little better than the al Shabaab insurgents do. While proclaiming himself a moderate, President Sheikh Sharif Sheik Ahmed has embraced a version of sharia that mandates the death penalty for those who leave Islam. Somalia is in the number five position on Open Doors World watch List of countries where the persecution of Christians is most severe.
Thank You, Father, for Asha’s faith in You and that she is now enjoying perfect peace and joy in Your presence. We pray, though, for her children who have known more tragedy in their young lives than anyone should ever know. Our hearts weep for them, as we know Yours does. We are powerless in ourselves to help them, but we call on You to heal them from this trauma and to protect them. Strengthen their faith. We are comforted only in your promise that “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)

China Experience: Open Doors USA

Pakistan--#11 on World Watch 2011

Islamic extremists killed a Christian lawyer, his wife and their five children in northwestern Pakistan for mounting a legal challenge against a Muslim who was charging a Christian exorbitant interest.

Police found the bodies of attorney and evangelist Edwin Paul and his family at their home in Haripur, a small town near Abbotabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (previously known as the North-West Frontier Province).

The victim and his wife Ruby Paul, along with their five children ages 6 to 17, had been shot to death.

A group of armed men stopped Paul and took him by the collar and said, “Leave the town in 24 hours we know how to throw out Christians, we will not allow even a single Christian to live here. We will hang them all in the streets, so that no Christian would ever dare to enter the Hazara land.” 

Dear Readers,

Dear Readers,

I just wanted to thank you so much for faithfully keeping up with our persecuted brothers and sisters all over the world. I was looking at my traffic map earlier and saw just how many people I had coming to this blog.

Thank you, thank you so much for being fellow watchers with me. Whoever you are, and wherever you are, thank you. 

I will continue to post updates as I get them.

Always, always remember to pray. It's the most powerful thing on earth.


Always Fighting,
-Hannah

Al-Qaeda Attack on Christians

Two Sundays ago, as faithful Christian believers gathered at church in Baghdad to worship, Al-Qaeda attacked.

They took about 120 worshipers hostage, beat and killed three priests, and detonated explosives moments before Iraqi security forces stormed the church in a rescue attempt. At least 64 people, mostly worshippers ––including a 3-year-old–– were massacred and an estimated 300 wounded.
Help secret believers

I know your heart aches with mine at this horror. And what makes it even more shocking is that, due to the recent election focus, the American media has barely reported this persecution of Christians! 

Unfortunately, it’s not over. Al-Qaeda’s Iraq splinter group, the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) who was responsible for the attack, just issued this statement:

"All Christian centers, organizations and institutions, leaders and followers, are legitimate targets for the mujahedeen wherever they can reach them.”

Click HERE to watch the video.

Prisoner Alert: Youcef Nardarkhani---Location: Iran

Location: Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Arrested: October 2009

Recently, Pastor Youcef Nardarkhani was reportedly sentenced to death for apostasy. VOM contacts confirm that the pastor's trial was held in recent weeks in the 11th Chamber of The Assize Court of the province of Gilan. Pastor Youcef is one of several members of his church who have been imprisoned. In the past, the Iranian government has also imprisoned and released his wife. Pastor Youcef was arrested in October 2009 after protesting a decision by the government requiring that his son study the Quran.

Update on Imran Ghafur Masih

On Jan. 11, 2010, Imran Ghafur Masih was sentenced to life in prison and fined 100,000 rupees ($1,155 U.S.), according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. His family has appealed the decision to the Pakistan High Court and is awaiting a hearing date.
VOM encourages you to send a letter to Imran, letting him know you are praying for him. Also pray for his persecutors. Tell your friends about Christians suffering in Pakistan, and encourage them to pray for Imran and to write to him as well.
Your letters make a difference; they can result in shorter prison sentences for those accused. Please write to Imran and encourage our Pakistani brother.

North Korea: Power Transfer

 Please be in prayer for North Korea and other Christians all around the world! North Korea is especially going through a massive hard time right now, and with war possibly beginning to show its head, this is getting shaky. Please pray!

 

North Korea:

Power Transfer Possible

Sep 16 2010

Christians Facing More Persecution, Especially Defectors to China

SANTA ANA, Calif. (Sept. 16, 2010) – North Korea is quietly preparing for a successor to leader Kim Jong-Il while  the country is in  turmoil with many dying from hunger, according to Open Doors, a Christian organization which secretly supports persecuted believers in 60 of the most dangerous and restrictive countries in the world.
Kim Jong-Il’s third son Kim Jong-Un was expected to be voted in as a member of the Workers Party Central Committee, probably during a secretive conference held earlier this month. If true, it would be a significant step towards a real power transfer in the future. Kim Jong-Il is reportedly in poor health.
North Korea, the No. 1 persecutor of Christians according to this year’s Open Doors World Watch List, is taking harsh measures to strengthen the clique around the Kim family – with terrible consequences. A disastrous currency reform, announced near the end of last year, has led to many suicides.
Dr. Carl Moeller, president/CEO of Open Doors USA, says: “Change is likely coming to North Korea. We need to pray that the change will be a positive one for the Christians there – including the 40,000 to 50,000 believers who are suffering in North Korean prison camps where 200,000 people are held. We need to continue to not only pray, but also advocate for those brave Christians who live under brutal and nightmarish conditions with no basic freedoms.”
Civilians are openly protesting decisions made by the government. These protests sometimes have led to violence between civilians and police. These clashes are a rare occurrence in a country with a tight security system and vast network of spies.
 “Fifteen years ago Kim Jong-Il was still considered a god, but all these years of hunger have left the people disillusioned,” says Simon, Open Doors’ main contact for North Korea. “They have stopped believing the lie. Each time they put their trust in their leader, he has let them down.”
Around the same time of the failed currency reform, it was announced that people would no longer receive food rations from the government. In the first seven months of 2010 food was only distributed occasionally and in just a few cities. On top of that, the country was again hit hard by floods this summer. Open Doors sources report people are dying of starvation in the provinces of Hamkung, Yanggang and Jagang. Many North Koreans compare the past few months with the devastating famines in the 1990’s when over one million people starved to death.
Recently North Korea has dispatched dozens of secret agents to China to track down North Koreans who have fled, including Christians. Simon states: “Their purpose is to root out any defector problems. Defectors are seen as a destabilizing factor. The pressure on refugees is increased because of the party leaders’ meeting earlier this month and before the party anniversary in October. In our work with North Koreans in China we need to be extremely careful. We can only do this work when we completely depend on God’s wisdom, protection and guidance. The risks increase, but so do the ministry opportunities.”

Despite all the rumors about the possible upcoming power transfer, North Korean Christians haven’t focused on the politics. The current generation of Christians knows nothing but persecution. Open Doors has come along side the Christians in North Korea for over 10 years. Open Doors supports believers with Bibles, training, food and other practical help. Open Doors also connects the Church in the West with them through prayer and advocacy campaigns.
The North Korea Freedom Coalition (NKFC) will hold Save North Korean Refugees Day on Friday, Sept. 24, with events in Washington, D.C. focused on raising awareness and action for the North Korean refugees fleeing North Korea. For more information, go to www.nkfreedom.org. Open Doors is a member of the NKFC. 

 

Hope Amid Horror

Raid on Church in VietNam

November 2009 Newsletter Media

Just as we put the finishing touches on our November newsletter about Vietnam, we received this video footage of a small house church being raided by Vietnamese police. This church had been raided before. Local officials told the house church they did not have official permission to meet, so they could not have religious meetings.
Church members reported:
On Sunday, August 23, 2009, we were still gathering together for service meeting since this is necessary spiritual need. At 3 p.m., many district security officers came into my house. At that time, we were having service meeting, they came and stopped and dismissed us. We stopped and explained to them we had made the application of permission already, but they still blustered. Several of them towed Brother --- out to the house and had him sit on their motorbike. They did the same way to ---. They oppressed him ruthlessly and towed him; they did not allow for him to speak a word. And other women were towed away also. They did take away one guitar but they did not make a report to taking away guitar. After arriving at the district police station, they made the report with the accusation:  “They are gathering together illegally.” They used the abuse words and threatened Brother ---: “If you came back this place again; you will be beaten.” … and at 6:30 p.m. they released us.
See video footage of the raid here. Continue to pray that our Vietnamese family will not succumb to the pressure against them. Pray they will continue to meet together and encourage each other, so they can continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Flood In Pakistan: Open Doors USA

www.opendoorsusa.org

Prisoner Alert Update:

On July 13, the family of Uyghur house-church leader, Alimujiang Yimiti, was permitted to visit him for 20 minutes, according to China Aid Association. Yimiti's family was relieved to see him alive, as guards had repeatedly refused to allow them visits in recent weeks. During their meeting, Alimujiang confirmed that he had received his wife's letters. Please continue sending letters of encouragement and let Yimiti know you are praying for him. Let your friends know about Christians suffering in China and encourage them to pray and write to him as well.
Your letters make a difference and can result in shorter prison sentences for those accused. Write and pray today!

In The Trenches

 Somalia

Madobe was born in a Somali village. He was orphaned as a child and was raised as a Christian despite his Islamic family name. He eventually became a pastor of a small underground church in his home village.

One morning Madobe was brutally murdered by members of an Islamic extremist group called al Shabaab. Just two weeks prior, Madobe had narrowly escaped being kidnapped by the same group.

Madobe’s death is unique because he was not a convert from Islam… as are most of the Somalis executed for such reasons.

The al Shabaab militants who killed Madobe prohibited his body from being buried and ordered that it be left to the dogs to be an example to other Christians. They remarked, “Leaving his body outside is a warning to all that infidels are a disgrace to Muslims.”

The al Shabaab militia has recently embarked on a brutal campaign to rid the country of all non-Muslims.

Somali believers need your prayers more than ever since many militant groups have declared war against the church. So please pray that peace would come to this area. And pray that the church in Somalia would be strong in the face of such intense persecution and that the gospel would advance.

 India

For Mary Nayak*, Sunday always involved accompanying her husband to the church he pastored in Kandhamal… a small village in the Indian state of Orissa.

This Sunday was no different… until her husband finished preaching. It was then that a large mob suddenly stormed into their village with one, singular objective: to attack and kill Christians.

Mary, her husband and her children narrowly escaped to the jungle where they remained without any food or shelter. They finally returned to their home after three days—when they felt it was safe.

Beaten severely

Calm had returned to the little village… or so they thought. It was just a few days later that a small mob returned and began hurling stones at Mary and some other women who were praying in the church. Mary ran outside trying to escape, but one of the stones struck her on her back and she immediately fell to the ground. That’s when the mob rushed at her and began to kick and beat her, only stopping because they thought she was dead.

As soon as Mary’s husband heard about the attack, he rushed to the scene but the mob had disappeared. That’s when he saw her lifeless body lying in the middle of the road. He took her in his arms and quickly took her home. But he knew they couldn’t stay there for fear of the mob.

So he packed up the children, his severely injured wife and moved to Jagadalpur, Chhattisgarh state.

Getting help from Open Doors

It was there that Open Doors came in contact with Mary. Immediately, our team took Mary to a good hospital where she could get the proper treatment for her injuries.

Mary’s family currently has no sustainable income, and she and her husband are concerned for their children who are not going to school because they lack the necessary financial resources to send them. The family has rented a room with the help of local Christians, but they don’t know how long they can live there.

In 2009, Christians across India suffered 152 violent attacks just like the attack on Mary. That’s an average of three per week! With your support, Open Doors is able to assist believers like Mary who have experienced these horrific attacks firsthand.

In addition, your support helps us equip suffering believers like Mary to stand firm in their faith by providing Bibles and much-needed training. Yes, you are helping persecuted believers like Mary overcome extremism in places where faith costs most… places like Orissa. Thank you so much for your support!

Please pray for Mary and her family, and that Open Doors would be able to continue to support and encourage them in the midst of their struggle. Thank you!

*not real name to protect identity. 

Prisoner Alert Update:

Imprisoned Uyghur pastor Alimujiang Yimiti, who was finally allowed to visit with his family in recent months, has been denied further visits, according to China Aid Association. Alimujiang's mother, wife and children were allowed to meet with him in April for the first time in two years. In May, they were permitted a second meeting for 20 minutes. However, authorities have since demanded that Alimujiang's wife and mother bring a letter to each meeting, stamped by local police, verifying their relationship to him. Please send a letter of encouragement to let Alimujiang know you are praying for him. Tell your friends about Christian persecution in China, and encourage them today!

Iranian Christian Released

On July 25, Ali Golchin was released from Evin Prison after paying bail of 200 million Rials (about $21,700 U.S.), according to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN).

Golchin, 29, was arrested at his home in the city of Varamin on April 29. At the time of his arrest and while he was in prison, government agents searched his home and confiscated a Bible and other books, a computer, his identification documents and other personal belongings, according to FCNN.

Golchin was held in the notorious Section 209 of Evin Prison, where it is believed he was tortured by authorities. “Throughout this time he [Golchin] was only able to meet with his family once for 10 minutes,” FCNN reported. “Ali Golchin had said that during his detention he had faced long and harsh interrogation and his family reported that Ali had described his time in prison as ‘unbearable.’”

The courts have not explained why Golchin was held for more than 87 days, and he has not been formally charged with a crime. “This disproportionate bail has been inflicted upon the family in the form of a bond against the title deed of family property of equivalent value; it is keeping not only Ali but the whole family virtually in chains,” FCNN reported.

Prior to Golchin’s release from prison, his father told the Voice of America Persian Service that he believed his son had been arrested because he had Bibles in his home. “The judicial authorities accused us of attempting to convert Muslims by distributing Bibles, which is considered a crime. I told the authorities that these Bibles were not for the purpose of going into the streets and distributing them,” Golchin’s father said. “They were for the people in our church.”

Ali Golchin is among a number of other Christians from the cities of Tehran, Isfahan, and Kermanshah who have been arrested and released without specific charges against them. The Voice of the Martyrs stands with these courageous believers who continue to serve Christ in the face of government harassment. Pray that believers in Iran will remain faithful and that their testimonies will draw non-believers into fellowship with Christ.

Posted: August 3, 2010

Open Doors Safe House Shelters Believers on the Run

When Gulshan* and Saaman* were forced into hiding in Central Asia, they had no safe place to go. Open Doors stepped in, providing a haven at one of our safe houses in a neighboring region.

This summer’s $100,000 challenge grant will bolster support for our 2010 Global Summer Offensive, and will help believers like Gulshan and Saaman who are facing the fiercest persecution for their faith in Christ.

It was nothing unusual for Gulshan and Saaman. As courageous evangelists in their closed country in Central Asia, they loved to tell people of their Savior, Jesus. And so, when a friend invited them to come and speak of Christ with some unbelievers over tea, they accepted without hesitation.

Cruel trap

Little did Gulshan and Saaman realize the meeting was in fact a cruel trap. Their friend had been pressured by the police, intent on incriminating them, to set up the meeting.

Sure enough, as the women sat drinking tea together that afternoon, the police arrived. After they forcibly searched the house, more officers arrived and began filming the ladies. Accusing them of illegally holding a religious meeting, they were arrested.

Tortured

While in custody, Gulshan and Saaman were placed under immense pressure to sign a statement admitting they were involved in “illegal missionary activity.” When they refused, the women were badly beaten and subjected to psychological torture.

News of the arrests soon reached the other believers in the town, and the pastor courageously contacted the police, pleading with them to free the ladies. Soon after, they were released to seek medical care for their injuries.

Forced into hiding

It wasn’t long before Gulshan and Saaman received word that a court case had been filed against them. This news forced them into hiding, and they fled their home town. With nowhere safe to go, they cried out to God for help and protection. Their prayers were answered as they were offered refuge in an Open Doors safe house in a neighboring region.

Safe with Open Doors

For a month, Gulshan and Saaman stayed at the Open Doors safe house, and escaped the full brunt of the storm that was raging against them. Spending time in God’s Word without fear of reprisal and in fellowship with other believers without the risk of arrest was a wonderful source of strength for them. “We were very happy to spend time away from the tumult,” they testify. “We were able to learn more about spending time with God and being quiet before Him. To meet other believers was a blessing to us, and really encouraged us.”

During their month at the safe house, the trial continued in their absence. Eventually the judge ruled that they would both have to pay fines of more than half a year’s salary. Once again, Open Doors was able to step in and meet their needs. “Thank you so much for assisting us!”

Healing and strength

Their stay at the Open Doors safe house brought physical healing and spiritual strength to Gulshan and Saaman—just when they needed it most. Now equipped to face the storm, the two courageous ladies recently returned to their home town to continue living and serving Jesus there. It’s believers like these who are at the very heart of our Global Summer Offensive Campaign. Open Doors’ founder, Brother Andrew, makes it clear: “Through your support, we are helping these believers advance God’s Kingdom in spite of the spiritual forces against them.”

Your gift today will help us meet the $100,000 Global Summer Offensive challenge grant, which will help our teams provide new safe houses, deliver more Bibles, and give critical Scripture training to converts—equipping our persecuted brothers and sisters to stand firm for Christ in countries where faith costs the most. Thank you for your support!

*All names changed for security reasons.