December 2004

ERITREA (The Christian Post) Following the November arrest of three Christian leaders, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) called for the international community to continue putting pressure on the Eritrean government to operate in accordance with international human rights standards. In their statement, CSW reported that Eritrean security forces have raided dozens of homes and arrested hundreds of Christians, including young children, simply for having a Bible or attending a Christian meeting. Reportedly, there are 400 Christians in prison, many having served more than two years. Pray the prisoners will be strengthened in their faith, knowing Christ is their life. Pray they will lead prison officials to Christ. Pray all Christians in Eritrea will be faithful in their witness as sons of God. Pray publicity surrounding the treatment of Christians will cause the government to stop persecuting them.

NIGERIA (Compass Direct) On November 23rd, 10 heavily armed Muslim extremists attacked the New Life For All gospel team during an open air preaching event in the state of Jigawa, leaving two people dead (one of them a Muslim militant) and 20 others with injuries. Other Muslims reportedly joined in the fray, siding with the Christians against the extremist group, until police arrived to restore order and arrest the assailants. According to Rev. Umaru Dutse of the Christian Association of Nigeria, this is the second year that Christians (in this area) have been attacked without provocation. Pray God will comfort the family of the murdered evangelist. Pray Christians will comfort the grieving family members of the Muslim militant and will have an opportunity to share the gospel with them. Pray the Lord will give wisdom and guidance to Nigerian Christians as they live out the faith, to which He called them.

PHILIPPINES (Compass Direct) In Zamboanga City, a 24-year-old Christian man, whose name is being withheld for his protection, is recovering from serious injuries after being shot by Muslim activists on November 17th. The victim, a member of the first tribe in the Philippines to accept Islam, saw several members of his family come to Christ after he became a Christian and started reaching out to others through public evangelism. The threat to Christians is growing as more young people are being converted to militant Islam and are eager to prove themselves worthy of their new faith. Pray God will protect His faithful followers in the Philippines. Pray Christians will be bold in their faith and witness. Pray the Holy Spirit will move the hearts of the young people to know that Jesus has all power eternity.

VIETNAM (Center for Religious Freedom) Since Le Thi Phu Dung, the wife of recently sentenced Vietnamese Pastor Quang, has assumed leadership of the Vietnam Mennonite Church, following her husband's arrest June 8th, she has been repeatedly harassed and threatened with arrest by authorities. On Sunday, November 21st, 40 public security police disrupted the church service at the Quang home and formally cited everyone present for meeting illegally and continuing to use the premises for religious purposes. Vietnam's Decree on Religion No. 26 states that religious activities can only occur in a place of worship approved by the state and be led by religious leaders who have been authorized by the state and have received permission to lead religious activities. Vietnam continues to outlaw all house churches and does not recognize their leaders. Pray God will strengthen Mrs. Quang in her faith and zeal. Pray He will protect her and the students who are living on the property. Pray the Holy Spirit will soften the hearts of the authorities, taking away their fear of Christians and leading them to seek their Savior.

Please continue to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ, and please send them letters of encouragement.