Ministry tackles unseen trauma in South Sudan.

(Image Yida Refugee Camp courtesy UNITAR.org)

Sudan (MNN) ― Ever hear the saying that goes, "You reap what you sow?"

Parts of Africa are experiencing that in an unbreakable vicious cycle of violence that has become a culture. South Sudan is no exception. The world's newest country, its birth didn't come quickly or peacefully.

After more than two decades of war, with two million dead and four million people displaced, literacy levels are low. And the war is not over for all. Hundreds more refugees are still arriving in the camps, and there are no schools. An entire nation has been traumatized, and the devastating effects of this generational trauma are sure to impede the stable and healthy recovery process of this nation.

But a ministry is part of trying to change that by sowing the seeds of peace through story-based trauma-healing workshops in South Sudan's refugee camps. The Seed Company, in partnership with the Bible Society in South Sudan and Samaritan's Purse, launched a trauma-recovery program.

Its emphasis on the recovery--from a physiological level rather than a psychological one--allows the program to be used across cultural boundaries.

There was an overwhelming response by the Sudanese people, and many had requested training in trauma awareness and a recovery methodology.

Mark Kordic with The Seed Company says, "When we've seen teenagers being forced to do unspeakable acts of violence, families separated, death and destruction and rape and other things occurring, our partners on the ground said, ‘We must offer hope for these families--especially the children.'"

That brought out a clear need, especially when the youngest survivors weren't doing well. Kordic asks, "How in the world can you process this when you're eight years old?"

Another challenge, he says, is, "How do we reach out to them in a language that they understand. The challenge is: there are 50 language groups in this refugee camp of 70,000 people."

The Seed Company started the first training in seven of the groups that have no Scriptures in their own language. "We'd love to reach out to a dozen more languages, and we can do that as people support these trauma-healing workshops. We'd love to reach more of the 70,000 people that are really suffering from unspeakable abuse."

The initial teams translated and memorized six Bible stories, five real-life stories, and six Bible verses which were set to music. In January, they began regular trauma-healing listening groups in the camp, where they told stories and led discussions about how God can heal pain.

As a result of this initial offering, plus a second training in the summer, Kordic says now "20 Christian congregations, amazingly, have been developed among seven of the 50 language groups as people respond to the stories from the Scripture in a language that they understand best."

Surviving war and war atrocities is huge. In hindsight, it's really the first step on a long road to recovery. Having a shoulder to cry on, so to speak, and someone who can offer hope makes a huge difference. "It involves song, it involves dance. It involves storytelling. And as folks go through the workshop experience, in which Scriptures are brought to life in their native language, heart language, it speaks to the way that they've always communicated."

In fact, as Christmas approaches, there's a clear difference in parts of the camp where Christ's name is known. Kordic describes the scene. "If you can think of the horizon of a refugee camp and stringing colorful cloth on clotheslines, it gives you a little glimpse of the change from a fear-based refugee experience to one that at least they can look forward to hope because Jesus has entered into their life."

There's so much more that can be done. So far, the trauma program is only available in seven languages. The Seed Company wants to expand that to cover all 50 language groups in the camps. Kordic acknowledges the scope of the project, but says everyone doing their own part will help it succeed. "There's never been a greater acceleration of the Great Commission than right now. Today. I would just encourage folks to consider joining the race to end Bible poverty."

Persecution on the upswing: do we care?

(Photos courtesy Voice of the Martyrs USA)

International (MNN) ― The Church is under fire. Upon reading that statement, half the people who started reading this article just moved on to something "more interesting."

And that response is troublesome.

The plight of believers gets little attention on the global stage, leaving many Christians throughout North America unaware and therefore indifferent to what's going on in the body of Christ.

Mention persecution, and eyes glaze over. Silence continues because not enough church leaders are talking about it from the pulpit. Although Barna Research states the opposite, many North American church leaders and pastors say their flocks don't want to hear such negative and depressing things.
That's despite the following:

Al-Qaeda vows to slaughter Christians after the U.S. "liberates" Syria. Nigeria's Boko Haram has slaughtered 3,000 Christians since they began waging war. Egypt's Coptic Church is under fire. A Church official there says after the recent violence that destroyed over 72 churches, there are just 57 Christian churches in the entire country--down from more than 300 as recently as 2003.

The Barnabas Fund, a ministry to the persecuted Church, is airlifting Christians out of Sudan. So far, they've evacuated more than 5,000 Christians from northern Sudan. In Pakistan, believers are still trying to put their lives back together after 3,000 angry Muslims torched the Joseph Colony six months ago. That's only part of the Middle East and North Africa.

Asia is also on the list. North Korea is trying to erase Christians and has been atop the Open Doors World Watch List for 11 years as the world's worst persecutor of Christians. There's religicide going on in Burma and in parts of India.

And still, there's relative silence from North America. There are a few who have been speaking out as loudly as they can, but the overall impassive response to the worldwide persecuted church begs the question: Do we care?

Todd Nettleton, a spokesman for the Voice of the Martyrs USA says, "I think the question arises because as we look around the world, we see more than 60 countries where Christians face some form of harassment or persecution. And you look at the average response of the average American Christian which is basically, ‘Man, that's too bad.'"

A defensive response is also common. But here, too, Nettleton asks, "If we care, how is that being lived out?

How are we SHOWING that we care? Not based on clicking the 'Like' button on a Facebook page, but how are we showing that we care in action that is designed to produce a result or some easing of the suffering of our Christian brothers and sisters?"

He goes on to explain, "How we show we care is by being involved, by connecting with these Christians who are suffering. The first line of doing that really is knowing them: knowing their names, knowing their situations, knowing the countries that they live in so that we can pray effectively."

Nettleton is also quick to note that the issue has gotten more traction as awareness of social justice issues has risen. "More people know about the persecuted church now than did 15 or 20 years ago. I think the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church--which is coming up in November--has been a significant part of making the American church aware of what's happening with persecuted Christians."

But there's still a long way to go, he concedes. "One of the challenges is: Americans are pretty home-focused. Our media covers things that are happening in America. In a 30-minute news program, we might get two minutes of what's going on around the world."

Another aspect is understanding the spiritual and biblical component of persecution. "These are not just statistics or people who live 10,000 miles from here. This is our family. These are our brothers and sisters."

Nettleton points out his own two brothers: if they were to be arrested and face the scenarios faced by Christians in Eritrea, for example, he would be making noise about their plight. The same should be true of the body of Christ. "I should be aware of what's happening with them. And when they're being persecuted and oppressed, I should be speaking out on their behalf. I should be letting people know that it is happening and doing whatever I can within my power to make it stop happening."

When believers put real faces, real names, and real places to the stories, the bigger picture becomes clearer. Nettleton explains, "It's not presented as this is what the Bible said was going to happen. Jesus said, 'If you follow Me, the world will hate you.' This is happening all around the world. Followers of Christ are being hated because they're followers of Jesus Christ."

Sometimes Americans avoid the discussion of the persecuted church because the news is discouraging. It's hard to hear and to feel helpless about changing anything. However, Nettleton breaks response down to its most simple elements. "You start by praying. You educate yourself. And then, whatever God lays on your heart as a response, you keep saying Yes to that and keep responding to that. You will find that you will enter into the ‘fellowship of suffering.'"

Then what? Nettleton explains that when people invest in taking on the troubles facing believers worldwide, they begin to understand the God who provokes such a response. As a result, "The persecuted church is strengthened because we can encourage them, we can stand with them, and we can be a voice for them. But we are strengthened, as well, because we see their faithfulness, and we see God's faithfulness to them. And our faith is encouraged and challenged, and we find that we grow spiritually, as well."

Nigeria (MNN) -- Nigeria approaches Boko Haram with Dove and Hawk

(Boko Haram images courtesy Compass Direct News)

Nigeria (MNN) ― Nigeria is in lockdown.

Nigeria has rebels on the run. Nigeria is releasing criminals.

What's really going on? Todd Nettleton, a spokesman with the Voice of the Martyrs USA, would not confirm the reports of the Islamist terrorists being in disarray. However, he did address the government's plans to release members of the Boko Haram Islamist group held on suspicion of terrorism, in phases.

In an e-mailed statement by the senior special assistant to the President on public affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe said the effort was aimed at the peace effort.
The statement read in part:

"It has become necessary to make further clarification on the directive for the release of some people held in connection with activities of the Boko Haram sect, in view of misrepresentations in some sections of the media.

"The order for the release of the detainees will be in phases.

"Concerning the first batch, the emphasis is on women and children who have been in detention on suspicion of involvement and/or connection with insurgency in some parts of the country.

"This will be followed by other phased releases where cases will be treated on their individual merits by the Defence authorities and security agencies."
Yet, it follows a decision by President Goodluck Jonathan to impose a curfew as well as emergency rule in the northeastern states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, and start a military campaign against Boko Haram Islamist insurgents.

Nettleton explains, "My perception is that President Goodluck Jonathon is taking a dual approach in the sense that with one hand, he's reaching out the hand of fellowship. In the other hand, he's kind of balled up a fist."

Rather than viewing the approach as a ‘see what will stick,' he says it's one of options. "If you will talk peace, and if you will cooperate, yes, there's a pathway for that. If you won't, then we're going to come and hunt you down. I think it'll be interesting, in the weeks to come, which pathway produces the most progress in establishing peace and security in northeastern Nigeria."

However, that has been an uphill battle ever since Jonathon took office. "There's not always the level of cooperation in the northern states with the federal government to get a handle on some of these situations.

They want to see a Muslim president elected, and they see it as somewhat good if there are problems, if the people lose confidence in the Christian president that's currently in office."

Boko Haram is a terror group whose campaign is to turn Nigeria into an Islamic state. The resulting bloodbath has cost the lives of 3,000 people in the past four years, and Christians have borne the brunt of the Boko Haram's wrath. In the early months of 2013, it seemed that every Sunday brought news of another church bombing or drive-by shooting massacre. Then, if possible, the violence escalated.

After attacks that left several hundred people dead in the previous fortnight in towns near Maiduguri, on May 14th, Jonathon imposed the state of emergency.

Morning Star News reported that within an hour of the state of emergency declaration in Borno state, Faye Pama Musa, leader of the chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria was assassinated. Police say the gunmen followed him home from the evening Bible study he led at his church.

Security got tighter at church services. Nettleton noted the presence of armed guards outside the churches during his visit last week, noted vehicle proximity to buildings in case of car bombs, and yet, the most notable thing, he said, was that "people continue to gather for worship even though they know there are risks, even though they know there could be attacks. The church service that I attended was a fabulous church service. I really enjoyed the presence of the Lord and worshipping together with my Nigerian brothers and sisters."

Despite the violence, despite the tension and the threat of harm, people are still following Christ openly and sharing their faith. Nettleton acknowledges that is where the challenge gets real. "That's where the danger is, when you're going into the Muslim community and sharing the Gospel. One of the things they said is ‘to be effective, that's almost always a one-on-one conversation' where they can sit down and talk to somebody, and look at the Bible and look at the Quran, and point them to Jesus Christ."

For the new Muslim-Background Believer (MBB), the risk comes not from outside assassins, but from those they love and trust. "Do you tell your family? Do you tell your friends? How long after you accept faith do you come forward and say, ‘Listen, dad...listen, older brother: I'm a Christian now. I'm following Christ...', because that is where the danger lies, even danger from your own family members."

Despite the confusion surrounding Nigeria's approach to the Boko Haram question, Nettleton says one thing is clear: Christians are hard-pressed, and they're begging for their family to advocate for them. "They asked us to pray for peace, for there to be some kind of long-term stable peace in their country. Secondly, we need to pray for God's protection. I think also, we can pray for these Muslim converts and for the evangelists that are reaching out into the Muslim community."

Bangladesh Islamists push for blasphemy law

(Images courtesy Uncultured/Creative Commons/Flickr)

Bangladesh (MNN) ― At least 27 people died in clashes between police and Islamic hardliners in Bangladesh's capital city Monday. 

Demonstrators were demanding that the government enact an anti-blasphemy law. We spoke with the national co-director ofAsian Access(A2)/Bangladesh, Rev. Peter Mazumder, who also serves as director of IFES-Bangladesh (International Fellowship of Evangelical Students). He explains, [sic] "Jamaat-e-Islami want to pressure that Bangladesh should have this blasphemy law, which is totally denied by the government of Bangladesh. And also, the concerned people from Bangladesh, they don't accept that one." 

Essentially, that means the government of the Muslim-majority nation has rejected the demand, insisting that Bangladesh is governed by secular law. 

However, Jamaat-e-Islami was joined by Hefajat-e-Islam, the islamist group behind the demand, and the main opposition party, the Bangladesh National Party (BNP). Hefajat-e-Islam attracted little public attention until recently. Mazumder says its mission is stated in its name: ‘Hefajat-e-Islam' translates to ‘protecting islam'. 

With the three groups together, that advanced the number of protestors exponentially. It was a tinder box situation. Mazumder says, [Sic] "We don't like the violence. The fundamental groups are so dangerous, that they are breaking all the cars and everything, and all of the sudden, lots of riots is coming up, and it's not safe."

The opposition has sponsored a series of recent general strikes demanding that the next general election due in early 2014 be supervised by a neutral caretaker administration.

Paying attention to the political makeup of the government is particularly important because for a ministry like Asian Access, Bangladesh is the first Muslim country where they've set up operations. 

In 2011, A2 launched its first leader development session in Bangladesh. Mazumder notes that Class 1 is in session this week, and only a few participants have been late or unable to come because of the protest strikes. It means that their work is largely undisrupted despite the upheaval. [Sic] "We are having our A2 seminars, and we are now completing the seventh seminar semester; in September, we're having our graduation."

Notably, the national strikes have impacted the last three previous sessions, (Sep, Nov, and Feb). A2 notes that sometimes the session needs to end early, in order to allow enough time for the pastors to make it back to their home churches in time to preach on Sunday.

The situation created a unique and unifying opportunity for Christians in Bangladesh, says Mazumder. [Sic]"The last few days many churches came together, and we prayed God may transform this situation and change the situation. We'd like to see a peaceful country like that, so you can pray for that."

The accord between these Christians is proof that A2's approach to church leadership training and discipleship training works. Essentially, it boils down to this idea: If you want to plant a church, you must first grow a leader. Careful selection of a select group of emerging leaders is key. The Asian Access leadership training has been recognized as one of the most creative and fruitful leadership training programs in Asia. 

Continue to pray for the safety of the students and leaders. Ask God to intervene on behalf of believers in Bangladesh. Pray for peace to be restored. If you want to see more about the leadership training model, click here. 

Church leaders gather to form strategies, partnerships

Nepal (MNN) ― Leaders from India, Pakistan and Nepal met last week to talk strategy.

David Shibley

Gospel strategy, that is.

"We believe that something very important was begun through this summit, and we want to...continue it for the glory of God," says David Shibley of Global Advance.

A total of 30 church leaders from Pakistan, India and Nepal gathered in Kathmandu, Nepal for the Tri-Nations Summit -- possibly the first event of its kind. They met to pray together, reaffirm their commitment to spread the Good News in their nation and encourage one another in the face of persecution.

Though their backgrounds are different, each leader at the summit shared a common concern - how to share the Gospel in a nation hostile to Christianity.

"In each one of their contexts, [leaders] are continuing to proclaim the Gospel, and they are seeing people come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ," Shibley says.

"They committed to follow the leading of God's Spirit in forging new partnerships for the advance of the Gospel."

See all the commitments made at the Tri-Nations Summit here.

Global Advance is coming alongside church leaders with vital resources. Pray these materials would reach people who need them.

Along with pairing up to help the Gospel go further in South Asia, believers lived out Paul's charge in Romans 12:15 to 'weep with those who weep'. Muslim violence in Lahore, Pakistan occurred while Pakistani delegates were at the Tri-Nations Summit.

"It was a very moving sight to see Nepali pastors and pastors from India come and gather round those wonderful leaders from Pakistan and pray for them and weep with them," shares Shibley.

As the Summit concluded, delegates agreed to pray and fast on the third day of each month. They'll be praying for one another and for the three nations that were the focus of the Summit.

Ask God to protect the unity and partnerships formed between church leaders in Pakistan, India and Nepal. Pray church leaders would know "They're not forgotten, that they're not alone, and that the Body of Christ around the world is standing with them and praying for them."

Boko Haram continues bloody path to dominance

(Photos courtesy CBN)

Nigeria (MNN) ― Suspected Boko Haram militants in northern Nigeria have killed at least 34 people since Christmas--including 27 Christians attending church services. 

So far, the body count tops more than 2,800, roughly a third of them Christians, according to Human Rights Watch. 

Frustration is growing with the ineffective government response, although President Goodluck Jonathan celebrated the arrest of significant number of terrorism suspects accused in the bombings of the Nigeria Police Headquarters and the United Nations building in Abuja. These terrorists are also believed responsible for a church bombing in Madala which killed scores.

The name Boko Haram means "Western education is sacrilege." In the past, they have attacked other Muslims they felt were on an immoral path but have increasingly killed Christians. Greg Musselman, a spokesman for the Voice of the Martyrs, Canada, explains, "They want to turn the northern part of Nigeria into an Islamic state. That is their goal, and those that would stand against that are seen as legitimate targets for the Boko Haram." 

Musselman goes on to note that even if they accomplish this goal, it won't likely stop the violence. "Eventually, they would want to take over the whole country. So again, those that would get in their way are seen as legitimate targets." 

The U.S. State Department has accused Boko Haram of attacking mosques and churches to incite tensions between the two religious groups, hoping to drive a wedge between them. That's one explanation for the spike in attacks. Another, says Musselman, is "because the Gospel is advancing into the North, and many are becoming Christians. We need be praying that the Church will not be bogged down in fear." 

That's especially true now. "What terrorism tries to do is to bring terror to people, to lock them up and prevent them from advancing the Gospel," says Musselman. The pressure is refining the Church, and the boldness of Christians is having a direct impact on the community. "Pray that there will still be boldness and wisdom in how they go about advancing God's kingdom. We need to also ask the Lord how we can  practically help through ministries like Voice of the Martyrs, Open Doors, Christian Solidarity Worldwide." 

Under the current pressures, it is dangerous to convert and dangerous for churches to integrate new converts. However, Musselman says that won't stop the Gospel or the workers they support. "Be praying and then supporting the church the best that we can, helping them, encouraging them (i.e. with orphanages for the young victims who have lost parents because of the violence)." 

Elderly Christian worker shot in Pakistan.

(Image courtesy Voice of the Martyrs Canada)

Pakistan (VCM/MNN) ―Pakistani police are investigating the shooting of a Christian worker in Lahore last Monday.

Voice of the Martyrs Canadacontacts confirm that Birgitta Almby, Area Director of Full Gospel Assemblies (FGA) in Lahore, Pakistan, was recuperating at Jinnah Hospital. They say Almby spent the week in critical condition after two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire as she arrived home from work. 

Although the doctors were able to remove the bullet from her chest, the shooting caused considerable damage to the 70-year-old woman's lungs and jugular vein. On Friday, VOM Canada reported Dr. Ali Usman as saying, "We have kept her in the Intensive Care Unit, where her situation is precarious because of the excessive bleeding."

Almby was a familiar figure around the Christian community in Lahore. For 38 years, she served in Pakistan---some of that time with the FGA, which describes itself as a "church fellowship." The organization runs charities in Pakistan, including a technical training institute, an adult literacy center, and orphanages.

VOM Canada sources say while the investigation is in its early stages, Islamist extremists may be responsible for the attack. They've been increasingly targeting Christians in Pakistan, who are a beleaguered minority of about 2.5% in a country of 176.7 million, which is 96% Muslim.

However, despite the oppression, VOM Canada says Christian leaders have been reporting a steady but significant trickle of Muslims responding to the Gospel and joining churches.

As a marginalized community, many of their struggling fellow believers in Pakistan will be the recipients of VOM Canada's "Christmas Blessing" packages throughout the Christmas season. It's a source of encouragement at a time when it's becoming increasingly dangerous for followers of Christ to openly share their faith. 

VOM Canada asks for Christians to come alongside the Pakistani church in prayer. Ask God to intervene, not only sparing Birgitta's life, but also ministering complete healing to the areas wounded by the attack. 

Please also pray that He will bring much-needed peace and encouragement to her family and fellow Christian workers, as well as to all those in the community she so lovingly served. Pray that through this situation, people's hearts would open to the peace and love of Christ, and that communities would be transformed. 

Nigerian Christians looking to get their day in court

(Images of International Criminal Court. Logo courtesy Wikipedia)

Nigeria (MNN) ― The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) wants the Federal Government to pronounce the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram, as a foreign terrorist group.

As if to bolster their request, the International Criminal Court just released a report concluding that  the Boko Haram has committed "Crimes Against Humanity." It's what CAN needed to get redress in the courts and not on the streets. 

The findings of the ICC were underscored by yet another attack on Sunday, November 25, in Kaduna State. Nigerian officials say at least 11 people were killed and about 30 were injured around noon. A military spokesman says a bus laden with explosives rammed into St. Andrew Military Protestant Church in a barracks, and 10 minutes later a car parked just outside the church exploded as people fled the first blast. The following day, gunmen assaulted police headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, engaging police in a vicious battle.

 

For those working alongside the Christians in Nigeria, the report is well-timed. Todd Nettleton, spokesman for Voice of the Martyrs USA,says, "We've seen the attacks on churches; we've seen the attacks on government buildings. We've seen and heard their ideology of wanting a Sharia state, wanting to eliminate the so-called ‘Western influence,' which also includes Christianity in Northern Nigeria." 

Although the effort to rid Nigeria of Christians started nearly a decade ago, the attacks of the last three years have claimed an estimated 3,000 lives. Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden." The sect was founded in 2001 and flourished until 2009, when it went underground. It soon resurfaced, better organized and better funded with money tied to Al Qaeda. 

To that end, the ICC's Prosecutor clearly found that Boko Haram has "attacked religious clerics, Christians, political leaders, Muslims opposing the group, members of the police and security forces, 'westerners,' journalists, as well as UN personnel. The group has also been accused of committing several large-scale bombing attacks against civilian objects, including deliberate attacks against Christian churches and primary schools." 

Pressure from the international community would play a vital role in how fast the response would be. However, says Nettleton, "One of the challenges that we have here in the United States is that our government will not call Boko Haram a terrorist group. Now the International Criminal Court says there's reason to believe they've committed crimes against humanity."

Because the ICC report says one thing while the U.S. government (which is currently engaged in a war on terror) says something else, Nettleton adds: "It's a very frustrating message to those of us who kind of know what's going on, because it reflects, really, a blindness to the situation and to the reality on the ground in Nigeria."

Nettleton goes on to say that the U.S. response avoids the religious question entirely. "Their [Boko Haram] motivation for those crimes is obviously radical Islam and pushing a Sharia agenda, and yet our government says that Boko Haram is the result of ‘economic imbalance' in Nigeria and ‘lack of educational opportunities.'"

However, the ICC's Prosecutor concluded that the Boko Haram's calls for genocide and subsequent attacks on specific groups amount to crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute, i.e. "(i) murder under article 7(1)(a) and (ii) persecution under article 7(1)(h) of the Statute." 

As a result, a Jubilee Campaign spokesperson says, "We call on the ICC to move promptly to the 3rd phase of its preliminary examination. As the phase 3 process evaluates the viability of national attempts to prosecute Boko Haram, Nigerian authorities should fully cooperate and make all reports and past investigations available to the ICC."

Nettleton agrees. "What this report means is now the International Criminal Court is paying very close attention. They're watching to see what the Nigerian government does to respond to this situation and how they're going to handle or try to solve this problem with Boko Haram."

Here's what it boils down to for Christ followers in Nigeria, Nettleton explains: "As you think about the experience of going to church, and you think about the experience of trying to reach out to your community, obviously if your first concern has to be 'is this person is a threat to my personal safety,' that affects how you're going to spread the Gospel. That affects how the church is going to operate."

VOM has a long history alongside Christians in Nigeria, helping Boko Haram's victims with assistance, medical care, and more. Nettleton says while that's helpful, the one thing the survivors ask for is prayer. "Jesus calls us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. That's a very hard standard when bombs are going off in churches every Sunday. We need to pray for the hearts of our Nigerian brothers and sisters to remain soft to the people around them, and to remain passionate about spreading the Gospel."

Ministry begins to maneuver outreach in wake of court decision

India (MNN) ― It's been a month since the Himachal Pradesh High Court in India made headlines by striking down parts of the state's anti-conversion law.

The court struck down a section of the law which makes it mandatory for any person seeking to convert to go and give prior notice to local authorities before being baptized. The judges also ruled against another section which mandates the state to inquire into every conversion.

Mawii Pudaite with Bibles For the World agrees with the Asia News assessment that the ruling "upheld and protected the constitution" and recognized that everyone has "a right to choose his or her religion."

 

Himachal Pradesh's case could set precedent throughout India. Pudaite explains, "Currently, anti-conversion laws are enforced in five states: Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat. In Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, the laws have been passed but not yet implemented."

According to Open Doors, choice and the freedom to choose are the most important legal principles to emerge from the ruling. Pudaite says, "Pray that God will move in a wonderful way in the great land of India and that multiplied millions will find The Way, the Truth, and the Life. Here in the USA, everyone in every state enjoys freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and so on. It's so easy to take these privileges for granted."

However, the rise of Hindu nationalism could still make things very tricky for Christian workers. What remains of the law is loosely worded, leaving the definitions of "force" or "allurement" open to a wide interpretation. Still, Pudaite says, it's the break their team needed. "With this anti-conversion law being repealed, this is the time to move in."

There is a Bible distribution project in the works. Pudaite says, "We've got 250,000 copies of the Hindi Bible to be given out to the new converts in North India." It means greater exposure. Thus far, "It has been mostly in Punjabi...and Chhattisgarh will read in Hindi, and of course, English for the English-speaking people."

There has been a spike in persecution this year. Religious rights watchdogs attribute it to the growth of the Christian Church.

Please pray that India will continue to recognize and respect the religious freedom of citizens to worship, gather together, and evangelize. Pray that in the meantime, Christians in India will be bold in their faith despite threat of persecution. 

Officials to return Uzbek pastor, a religious refugee since 2007

Kazakhstan (MNN) ― According to the Forum 18 News Service, officials are sending Pastor Makset Djabbarbergenov and his family back to neighboring Uzbekistan, the nation they fled to escape religious persecution. Forum 18 says Uzbek authorities put the Protestant pastor on a wanted list for illegal teaching of religion and literature distribution, religious "crimes" he had committed in 2007.

The charges against Djabbarbergenov each carries a maximum of three years' imprisonment. Pray for the pastor and his family as they endure this persecution. The Djabbarbergenovs are expecting their fifth child in April. Pray that their faith remains steadfast.

An assistant working in the District Prosecutor's Office told Forum 18 that "Uzbek authorities are seeking to imprison Djabbarbergenov because he led an unregistered Protestant church in his home town.

"As a person, I can say this is not right," he added. "But we have to follow the rules. We just collect the documentation."

Kazakhstan has a reputation for returning religious refugees in order to maintain political favor with China and Uzbekistan. Forum 18 points out that in June, the United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT) criticized Kazakhstan for extraditing 29 Uzbek Muslim refugees in 2011. Though the men sought asylum and religious refuge, Kazak officials accused them of being terrorists and sent them back to Uzbekistan, where intense persecution is routine.

Uzbekistan has steadily moved higher on Open Doors USA's World Watch List, a compilation of the world's most heavily-persecuted nations. The Central Asia nation ranked #10 on the list two years ago but has since moved to #7 following increased governmental suspicion, police attacks, and raids. Common cruelty used by Uzbek authorities includes electric shock, beatings, rape, asphyxiation, and psychological abuse.

A report issued earlier this month from the human rights group International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) says religious persecution is to be expected from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member nations. Created in 2001, the SCO includes Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikstan and Uzbekistan. The FIDH says the Shanghai convention is used as a "vehicle for human rights violations," because members are expected to accept any accusations made by another SCO member, no questions asked.

Richard Wild, a law professor who worked on the FIDH report, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that member states essentially use the SCO as front to hide human rights violations.

"The threat in terms of human rights comes from the SCO because, on the one hand, it is playing the international game of speaking a human rights language -- using 'human rights' within their charter," said Wild. "At the same time, it actually results in a coordinated regional form of extradition on the basis of suspicion rather than evidence.

"And it lacks any kind of transparency or international oversight."

Four years: shadow of anti-Christian pogrom lingers

India (MNN) ― Four years after the anti-Christian pogrom in India's Orissa State, 10,000 remain displaced.

Dave Stravers, president of Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India, explains that in the wake of the violence, "Promises were made to these tribal villagers by government officials, but really not kept. People are afraid to go back because there are still threats of violence and even continuing violence in the area."

Justice has been slow in coming, so nearly 5,000 victims and survivors of the 2008 communal violence in Kandhamal district, Orissa, lent their voices of protest at a public rally marking the fourth anniversary of the violence and call for justice, peace, and harmony.

The attacks, led by Hindu extremists, caused 55,000 Christians to flee their homes. They have little recourse, Stravers says, because "these tribal Christians would be considered the bottom of the social ladder, so they don't have much political clout. They're discriminated against anyway, so they're just basically being ignored by the powers that be."

Asia News reports bear that out. Of the 3,232 complaints filed by victims and their families, district police accepted 48% of the cases. A scant 828 were registered as a first information report (FIR).

The numbers from Asia News also show that out of 245 cases dealt with by the Fast Track Court, convictions were obtained in 73 cases. Another 267 cases are still waiting to go to trial. Of the thousands accused in the pogroms, only 452 have been convicted; all the others were acquitted of the charges. Six have been sentenced to life in prison out of the 30 cases involving murder.

Despite the slow journey to justice, the work of Mission India continues, notes Stravers. "We still continue to work in all of Orissa, in all the different districts, including the tribal districts--all those places where you have these incidents of violence and our partners continue to work."

However, teams have had to be more careful in the days since the 2008 riots. "Obviously in those places where there has been this violence and continuing threats, there are many Christian workers that just don't feel that it's safe to carry on ministry. For us, that's the big prayer request."

Then, this news came: the Himachal Pradesh High Court struck down two provisions of the anti-conversion law. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reported the decision on August 30.

Stravers says, "The changes that the Himachal Pradesh High Court delivered are really good for Orissa because they struck down a section of the law which makes it mandatory for any person seeking to convert to go and give prior notice to local authorities before he actually would be baptized."

On the other, "The court decision of Himachal Pradesh did not strike down the entire law, and people are unhappy about that." Stravers goes on to add, "The prayers are that these anti-conversion laws will continue to be struck down piece by piece, if necessary."

Yet, because the legal precedence has been set, they're hoping for a similar response to follow in neighboring states. "Orissa has the same law. Technically, in Orissa if you become a believer and you want to be baptized, you have to go to the chief of police and receive their permission first to do this. Of course, this sets you up for all kinds of intimidation/threats of violence."

Stravers knows their team. Regardless of what happens with the anti-conversion laws, the Gospel will still go forward. In fact, so far, "People are baptized, usually en masse, without first seeking permission because they're going to do it whether they get permission or not. So this section of the law is not routinely enforced."

Disruption their partners endure isn't on the same scale as the anti-Christian violence of 2008. However, it comes regularly. One of their literacy class teachers and his mother were recently assaulted and warned to stop their work or be driven out of the village. Stravers says what happened next is a near-daily occurrence throughout India. "They were both told, 'Convert back to Hinduism within a week or else leave the village and stop your work.' They're praying. They don't know quite what to do. It's a real situation of severe persecution for anyone who is aggressively bringing good news to people."

Pray for patience in this situation. Once the villagers learn to read, they will see the benefits of finishing this class. Pray for patience and wisdom for the teacher and his family. It's only a matter of time before something good comes from the Gospel seeds planted.

Stravers sums it up this way: "Jesus said repeatedly to His disciples, even when He was predicting persecution, 'Do not be afraid. Speak boldly because Jesus reigns.' So that's what we pray for."

Justice delayed...again

(Images courtesy Mission India)

India (MNN) ― August marks the three-year anniversary of the arrest of two Children's Bible Club leaders in Karnataka on false charges.

Late one night in 2009, a mob of 20 Hindu extremists burst into a training for Year-Long Children's Bible Club leaders working through Grand Rapids, Michigan-basedMission India. Shouting threats, they moved from room to room. The extremists dragged people out of bed, beat them mercilessly, and burned every book and Bible they could find.

When police finally arrived, they arrested two Children's Bible Club partners and charged them with coercing children to become Christians. Mission India President Dave Stravers says, "There's no basis for the charge. They were actually sound asleep in the middle of the night. It's during a training session, (but) there weren't even any non-Christians involved, so how could they be converting anyone?"

The pair is out on bail...and STILL awaiting trial. "This is normal. They claim there is a 20-year backlog in the Delhi court system, for instance," Stravers reports. The United Nations Development Program estimates that some 20 million legal cases are pending in India. the country has roughly 11 judges for every million people, so the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel" (hope for an end) isn't likely coming soon.

The problem is the expectation of those who are awaiting their day in court. Stravers explains, "Every month, they get on the train [for a] 12-hour train ride, sit all day in the court, and be told. 'No, no progress. A new date has been set.'" That's added expense and time lost to travel back and forth.

While the delay may be "normal" in Delhi, Stravers wonders if the "dragging feet" could be because  "judges and the accusers know that there is no case, so if the case actually comes to trial, all the charges will be dismissed. So they want to drag it out as long as possible to make life as difficult as possible."

The case is at a standstill in the courts. The most recent court date was postponed until September 21. It's harassment, pure and simple, Stravers argues.

However, it also revealed an indomitable spirit. "These people are still working hard, training Children's Bible Club leaders. We have a long list of Christian workers who are waiting to be trained." In fact, Karnataka State is one of Mission India's biggest fields of ministry. 

Why do the extremist Hindus oppose the Children's Bible Clubs? First, explains Stravers, "God is working. And this is why the persecution is happening, because the general population is so open to the Gospel and the Lord Jesus is doing His work in a really powerful way in India today."

Mission India provides in-depth training for volunteer Children's Bible Club leaders as well as materials to teach up to five age levels in nearly two dozen Indian languages.

The Children's Bible Clubs are introduced in a community through a 10-day program. In the clubs, children enjoy songs, skits, and play games. They also listen to Bible stories, memorize Scripture, and learn more about relationship with Jesus, which helps them discover a loving Savior.

So, Stravers says, by the end of the Children's Bible Club, many children make a decision to follow Jesus. They then share their new faith and are bringing their parents to Christ. As a result, every year new churches grow out of Children's Bible Clubs.

As far as their two workers go, the danger of this case is that it's a distraction. "We need to pray that the Lord will be faithful to them, that they'll feel the Lord's hand of protection. And when the persecution comes, [pray that] they will understand that this is not the devil winning any battles, [that]  they need to keep speaking boldly for Christ."

Pray that there will be no further delays in the courts. Pray that the false charges will be dropped. Pray for the safety of this year's Year-Long Children's Bible Club leaders who are being trained right now across India.

Check our Featured Links Section for more details about the Children's Bible Clubs.

Pakistan considers anti-conversion laws; India's Christians concerned

(Photo courtesy of Mission India)

India (MNN) ― Shunned and hated in Pakistan, families who suffered through torture, kidnapping and increasing pressure to convert to Islam finally fled across the border to India.

The only difference is that instead of Christian families, those on the run were Hindu. That prompted a huge cry from the Indian government on their behalf.

Officially, the government's stance is that Pakistani Hindus arriving in India are on pilgrimage. However, this week, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari waded into the fray. After being briefed on the growing problem of mass migration, he told the Sindh government to amend the Constitution and write an "anti-conversion" law.

That is raising some alarms. Pakistan already has a "blasphemy" law which is frequently used to settle personal scores with Christians. Even though a new anti-conversion bill is supposed to protect minority religions, that's not how it's often enforced.  

On top of that, Dave Stravers with Grand Rapids, Michigan-basedMission India says if Pakistan comes up with its own "anti-conversion" law, it sets a precedent that neighboring states in India are likely to follow. Additionally, some Hindu leaders have grown more aware of the fast growth of Christians, especially in light of the Dalit Awakening in 2001. 

"They're worried that their culture is being eroded and their political influence, their power, is being eroded. So they want to stop it." 

Though India's constitution provides full religious freedom of worship and witness for all religions, there remains opposition. The rise of Hindutva extremism -- "India is Hindu only" -- resulted in hate campaigns against Christians and Muslims.

"Any law proposed in any India state will affect Christians first," Stravers notes. Harsh anti-conversion regulations in at least five states have done little to placate Hindu extremists. In many districts, the laws are often loosely worded and widely open to interpretation.  

In smaller villages, Christians are given a choice: reconvert to Hinduism, leave the village, or face death. The risk of violent mobs and riots exploding into days of rampage is high. Simmering tensions are threatening to explode with the smallest twitch. Stravers agrees, "Inter-religious conflict and inter-ethnic conflict in this (border) region is often violent.... It causes a lot of fear."

Yet, oppression has done little to stem the flow of the Gospel. Stravers marvels, "Christian workers have such a great deal of courage in the face of opposition." Pray that despite the intimidation and violence in many of India's states, Christians will unashamedly preach the Gospel.

Ethnic and communal violence spreads fear throughout India

Assam violence (File photo courtesy of Gospel For Asia)

India (MNN) ― The beauty of India's Assam state is belied by its bloody history.

Ethnic and religious violence in that region has forced the military to respond and impose a curfew after days of rioting.

At least 50 died and hundreds were injured in the clashes that lasted a week and a half--clashes between Muslim settlers and the Hindu-leaning Bodos. The Bodos are one part of three larger indigenous secessionist movements.  

Although the issues that lead to conflict are complex, Danny Punnose with Gospel For Asia simplifies what's been going on there. "There's always tribal fighting between tribes, or land disputes. This is a very common thing up in the northeast part of India in those areas. But the violence is getting a little more severe where people are actually being killed and there's rioting happening. So the army has been called out to give a sense of security, but also a sense of protection."

Stories of Muslim-Hindu violence spread like wildfire through social media outlets, which also sparked panic that led to days of more rioting. Government officials had been trying to encourage people to ignore the inflammatory stories, to no avail. Punnose goes on to say that "there are rumors that violence is going to break out there because there are lots of Assamese workers and students down in the south." As the trouble had been escalating and spreading, thousands who were from the Northeast fled the southern city of Bangalore last week.

Nearly 400,000 people are in makeshift camps, displaced by the escalating fighting. In the meantime, curfews have been imposed in some areas. "Everything [comes] to a standstill. It's the only way to contain certain elements of the violence," says Punnose, adding that  those who violate curfew risk their lives. "They think that you are part of the underground, or the underground thinks you're part of the army, so you're caught in the crossfire."

In some areas, curfews have been relaxed to certain hours. Although the violence seems to have calmed somewhat, it would take very little to ignite uprisings. Issues are deeply polarizing. Punnose says until the uneasy calm can be trusted, much of their work is also at a standstill.

Solutions won't easily be reached, he goes on to say. "It's very, very deeply ingrained. It's not just the caste system: it's tribal, and it's land. It's so many levels of the dynamics of this, and then you've got violence and you've got strikes."

GFA is asking for prayer. "Pray for the leaders of the nation to have wisdom to know how to handle this. You're not talking about people just being upset with each other. This is thousands of years of ingrained prejudice and animosity and anger."

Although their teams can't get out, Punnose says they are readying themselves for response. "Pray that God would give us opportunities to share the love of Christ, whether it's praying for people or counseling people, or maybe it's relief work to help people get back on their feet."

Uzbekistan tightens grip on Christians

Uzbek man (File footage courtesy of Open Doors USA)

Uzbekistan (MNN) ―Uzbekistan appears to be taking the repression of Christians one step further.

Joel Griffith with Slavic Gospel Association explains, "It seems the authorities are going into private homes and actually confiscating religious books from these homes during the raids they make; and they're also threatening fines."

The case stems from a series of recent raids, as reported by Forum 18 News. Based on the details of the case, Forum 18 began questioning the apparent violations of due legal process, denials of legal representation, misrepresentation defendant pleas, untimely verdicts, and so-called "expert analyses" that confused Protestant books with Jehovah's Witness books.

Griffith notes, "Police confiscated one Bible in the Uzbek language, and then there was a Bible in the Russian language that was confiscated. Then, from one Protestant home, reportedly, a book by John Bunyan was confiscated." It was during that raid, Griffith says, when "police allegedly said that it's prohibited to have such books at home, that they were going to be sent to the Religious Affairs Committee of the government, and that the owner of the books would be fined."

Griffith goes on to say that the alarm bells began ringing because "this latest report on the private homes being raided and books being confiscated is certainly a step up from what they'd been doing previously."

The alleged violations of due process would seem to be unconstitutional, which is the same word used to defend authorities' actions, according to Forum 18. The judge in one of the cases claimed that the defendant was "engaged in anti-constitutional activity and is a member of Jehovah's Witnesses, which was confirmed by the literature confiscated from him."

Wrong on that last count, it turns out. But Griffith says this is more insidious. "Previously, they had been raiding summer camps and trying to shut down churches here and there and stopping public witnessing. But going into private homes is certainly a new twist."

The Baptist in that case filed an immediate appeal, which has yet to be heard. "There was a fine imposed for possessing religious literature. There was a Baptist fined. He was given the equivalent of 40 times the minimum monthly salary. That's about $1300."

Griffith says fear is initially what led to these vaguely-worded criminal codes. "The secular governments of these countries had been concerned about radical Islam. The thought was that if they're going to crack down on radical Islam for the appearance of fairness then, they needed to crack down on everybody."

However, as the countries in the former Soviet Bloc became more Muslim, "No matter what a constitution will say in a lot of these countries, the authorities pretty much end up doing what they want,"says Griffith.

Meanwhile, police have continued their raids and confiscations. "We know that the churches there are going to continue to proclaim the Gospel, no matter what the personal risk they have to themselves," says Griffith. The Body of Christ in places like Uzbekistan need advocates. "Obviously, the western governments will continue to protest and intervene in cases like these. 

But we as believers here in the West, above all, need to pray for our brothers and sisters there and come alongside and support them however we can."

Uzbekistan is #7 on the Open Doors World Watch List of countries known for the persecution of Christians. Pray for pastors trying to lead their churches with limited resources. Pray for courage for Muslim-background believers who experience great pressure from family and society.

Good news coming out of New York for Christians

(Photo courtesy InterVarsity Christian Fellowship)

USA (ICF) ― InterVarsity's chapter at the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) is once again functioning as a recognized student organization following a July 28th decision by UB's Student Wide Judiciary (SWJ). The chapter was de-recognized by the Student Association Senate on April 15, 2012. The de-recognition followed the resignation of the chapter treasurer, who stepped down from his leadership position after revealing that he did not agree with InterVarsity's Doctrinal Basis.

SWJ ruled that UB's Student Association Senate improperly failed to distinguish between leadership requirements and membership requirements. InterVarsity chapter activities are open to all students. The 16-page ruling said that "it is common sense, not discrimination, for a religious group to want its leaders to agree with its core beliefs."

InterVarsity chapter leaders were pleased to learn of their restoration to the campus community. "We hope the SWJ decision sets a precedent that protects all groups on campus and creates a genuinely diverse campus environment that values differences," said co-president Nicholas C. D'Angelo. "The chapter remained focused and united during this time. Having our presence on campus challenged served to strengthen awareness of our mission and our commitment to the mission."

Alec Hill, president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, was hopeful that the Buffalo decision indicated a trend that other colleges and universities would embrace. "InterVarsity believes that a diverse campus environment requires the presence of groups which authentically and faithfully reflect religious beliefs," said Hill. "Groups which cannot communicate or embody their creedal commitments cannot contribute to a truthful and robust dialogue."

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is a campus ministry which has been actively involved with students and faculty on U.S. college and university campuses for more than 71 years. InterVarsity currently has more than 890 chapters on more than 575 campuses, ranging from Ivy League schools to community colleges. More information about InterVarsity's campus access concerns is posted atwww.intervarsity.org/about/our/campus-access.

Terror spreads to Central Nigeria

Nigeria (MNN) ― There's been yet another attack on churches in Nigeria.

According to police, gunmen fired on a Bible study at Deeper Life Church in central Nigeria Monday, killing at least 19 people--including the pastor--and wounding others. Hours later, bombers struck a primary school in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi state. There's also been an unconfirmed media report of another bomb discovered at the Revival Church in the same area.

The attacks represent a move into the central region of the country. Although no one has claimed it, the attack fits the style of Boko Haram, a radical Islamist sect.

Boko Haram, whose name in Hausa means "Western education is sacrilege," is responsible for more than 660 killings this year alone in Nigeria, many of them at churches.

In preparation for this story, Christian Aid Mission Africa Director Rae Burnett spoke with the head of the mission agency they support to ask about the latest incident. While not dismissive of the tragedy, he indicated that there's more violence than what occasionally gets reported in the media. "'If we told you every time an attack occurs, or every time that shots are fired or bombs are thrown, cars are hijacked or people are just killed, I would do nothing but sit at my computer.'"

The tension levels are reaching critical mass. "Everybody is fearful--" explains Burnett, "Christians and non-Christians because you can be at the wrong place at the wrong time. It's not just churches that are being attacked."

Boko Haram has a singular focus: to re-create Nigeria as an Islamic state, instill Sharia law, and eradicate the Christian population. Despite U.S. sanctions imposed on three leaders of the group, they appear unfazed. In fact, says Burnett, "Just this past week they threatened the president and said that he has to convert to Islam and rule under Sharia."

The conundrum: the attacks open doors for the Gospel, but also have been problematic. This particular ministry partner also indicated that because they're using resources to assist the attack victims in multiple areas, they can't maintain the work goals they wanted to achieve. 

Even so, Burnett says, "These missionaries are even more committed to expending every ounce of their own lives for the Gospel of the Lord, so they're not at all intimidated."

The work of this ministry partner has now expanded geographically to cover most of the Islamic north of Nigeria. With 100 missionaries to oversee, there's a lot at stake. Burnett explains: "The headquarters is in extreme danger because people do know what it is. Tthey hardly even go to their office, but he needs to have a headquarters in which to operate."   

Christian Aid Mission helped buy land for a new building, but then funds ran dry. The partner reports that more than 50 pastors and missionary leaders have so far died at the hands of Boko Haram.Burnett says, "This is really a crucial thing for them. They're in extreme danger where they are now. It has nothing to do with the missionary leaving the field. It's not the field. It's the headquarters of the ministry. None of the missionaries have left the field and their places of ministry."