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Hashmi founder director of ANHAD (Act Now for Harmony and Democracy) pointed out that more than 600 incidents of violence against minorities have been reported in less than 100 days of Modi’s government. “It is time for all to join hands and protest,” she urged.

Source World Watch Monitor

Father as we who live in relative peace and safety reflect on our fellow Christians who dwell in places of persecution words cannot express our concern for the level of persecution that our brothers and sisters around the world face. Our minds want to seek answers… but we know that Your Word says “Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2) So today along with Christians in India we celebrate the unity that You are bringing to the church there; that through this persecution You are drawing church leaders of all denominations together. Grant them the courage to continue in this quest to bring awareness of the situation. As a result may a mighty revival of Your Spirit move throughout India drawing many into Your Kingdom. In the name of Jesus in whom we find joy in whatever circumstances Amen.
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Bhutanese Pastors Found Guilty
Sep 22 2014

Bhutan

Recently you were asked to pray for Tandin Wangyal and Mon Thapa two Bhutanese pastors who were facing charges after holding a Christian conference in a house church in Dorokha. On Sept. 10 they were both found guilty by Dorokha Court’s presiding judge.

Thapa (also known as David) was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. However in an unexpected turn of events he was released on Sept. 12 after he paid the court’s fine of 98,800 Ngultrum (around $2,000) in exchange for jail time.

Tandin was sentenced to three years and eleven months in prison without bail on charges of soliciting funds from the public for personal gain. But on Sep. 15 Pastor Tandin Wangyal was granted a one-year bail after spending four nights at the Samtse Central Jail. He paid $750 for the bail.

“This doesn’t mean that he will be free for one year,” said a local source unnamed for security reasons. “It only means that he would be able to attend court hearings while his appeal for reconsideration will be heard by a different court the Samtse higher court. It is hard to say how long the hearings will go on.”

Tandin was convicted on Sep. 10 with two charges. First was for showing a film without official permit as required under Sections 105 and 110 of Bhutan’s Media Act of 2007. For this the convicted pastor has been sentenced to eight months of prison term. The second charge was collecting funds from a foreign agency between 2012 to Mar 2014 – a felony that carries a penalty of three years and three months. It is a non-bailable offense.

During his four nights at the Samtse Central Jail Tandin described experiencing intimacy with God that he had not experienced before. “He became closer to God as he spent most of his time in prayer,” the source told Open Doors. “On Sep. 15 at 3 am while praying he had a vision; in it he saw an angel leading him by the hand. The door of the prison cell suddenly opened and he walked out. That same afternoon the vision came true; at 3:45 pm he was released!”

“Thank you for all your prayer support,” Tandin said in an text message as soon as he left prison. “I am speechless and have no words to thank my ‘Jesus’. Only He knows what I went through those four nights in Samtse Central Jail. If it was not for His grace and peace I probably would have collapsed.”

Tandin will be free on bail while the high court in Samtse reviews his appeal. The judge assigned to his case is Birkha Bahdur Tamang who is of Nepali descent and known for his liberal views. With Birkha presiding the pastor hopes for a fair trial. There are three possible outcomes the court could still find Tandin guilty and order him to continue to serve his four-year sentence the court could drag the case on to harass him and his family or the court could reverse the guilty verdict. A former court registrar who is a Christian is helping the pastor prepare his appeal.

“Please continue to pray for Tandin,” said Open Doors’ source. “He appeared weak; he was nursing a viral fever and had an upset stomach due to the water that he drank while in Samtse jail. Pray also as he finalizes the appeal letter with the help of the former court registrar.”

Consider writing a letter to Tandin and David to encourage them and let them know that you are praying for them. Click here for writing guidelines.

Father as we celebrate Pastor Thapa’s (David’s) and Pastor Tandin’s release we praise You for providing funds to pay the fines. As they return home give them wisdom and courage as they seek ways to resume doing Your work while avoiding further arrest. But Father as pleased as we are with this outcome our brother Tandin is still facing charges that could ultimately send him back to prison. Lord grant him favor with the courts; that the charges brought against him will be dropped. Tandin said earlier that this time of uncertainty while awaiting the outcome of the court’s decision is so unsettling. Father fill him with Your peace; provide him with wise counsel and give him courage to face the outcome. God during this time of waiting may all of his words and actions bring honor and glory to Your name. In the name of Jesus who is present in even our darkest moments Amen.
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Boko Haram Declares Caliphate in Gwoza
Sep 01 2014

Nigeria

Insurgents raised their flags over Gwoza a town of around 265,000 residents earlier this month. In a recently released video Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau congratulated his fighters on seizing the Gwoza saying they have set up an Islamic caliphate in the towns and villages in northeastern Nigeria.

The approximately 52-minute-long video shows Shekau reading a statement from a notebook with a masked gunman on each side of him and three four-wheel-drive vehicles behind him in thinly forested bush.

“Allah has granted us success in Gwoza because we have risen to do Allah’s work. Allah commands us to rule Gwoza by Islamic law. In fact he commands us to rule the rest of the world not only Nigeria and now we have started,” he stated in the video.

In the video Shekau also taunted France Israel and the United States. “Democracy is worse than homosexuality worse than sleeping with your mother,” Shekau says. “You are all pagans and we will kill you—even if you do not attack us we will kill you … Allah commands us to kill without pity.”

The video continues with footage of what appears to be an attack on Gwoza by heavily armed fighters backed by heavy weaponry firing randomly into the hills at what appear to be security forces and civilians fleeing. Afterwards the fighters help themselves to weapons and ammunition seized from the security forces. The video ends with the gruesome murder of captives.

In response to the video the government insisted that the “sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nigerian state is still intact.”

Following the fierce fighting with Boko Haram around Gwoza around 480 Nigerian soldiers crossed the border into Cameroon. The government however denied that the soldiers were fleeing. Major General Chris Olukolade Nigeria’s military spokesman said the army launched an “operation” against Boko Haram in Gwoza but “found themselves” in Cameroonian territory during a “tactical maneuver.” Local media reported that the soldiers were disarmed by Cameroonian military and given shelter in a school. Gen. Olukolade said it was standard practice in such circumstances to hand over their weapons. He said the soldiers will return home.

Cameroon has officially closed its border with Nigeria to help contain the spread of Ebola and rumors that these soldiers fled will further damage the Nigerian army’s public image. Last week a group of soldiers refused to follow direct orders to fight Boko Haram saying the militants were better equipped.

Boko Haram is also trying to claim the town of Madagali in Adamawa state near the border with Cameroon. According to local media hundreds of sect members attacked the Madagali army base before taking over the town.

The executive chairman of Madagali James Abawu Watharda said the insurgents attacked the area with sophisticated weapons including rocket-propelled launchers improvised explosive devices and petrol bombs. They shot at people set property on fire and overpowered security operatives and vigilante groups before hoisting their flags. They destroyed at least five churches in the process. They also issued written warnings for residents of a neighboring village to vacate immediately.

Boko Haram reportedly withdrew from Madagali after holding the town for 24 hours. The offensive has nonetheless caused great displacement among the town’s majority Christian population and for countless Christians from surrounding villages who had been taking refuge in Madagali. Most have now made their way to Mubi about 80 kilometers away.

In a phone conversation with Open Doors a local Christian lamented that life has become so difficult and full of uncertainty for believers in Nigeria. Boko Haram has destroyed at least 178 churches around Gwoza and more than 40,000 people mostly Christians have been displaced to Mubi Uba and surrounding areas.

“The situation is becoming out of hand. The church can no longer support the large population of refugees from different parts of the northeast trooping to Mubi,” explained an Open Doors worker.
Local church leaders told OD over the phone “Only God can come to our aid in this situation. We are in a very difficult situation.”

Father we lift before Your throne these thousands of Christians who have been displaced by unrelenting violence in Borno State. Grant safety perseverance hope and protection as they flee to Mubi. And we pray for the church in Mubi attempting to minister to their needs with insufficient space and diminishing supplies. We pray for Your provision because without Your aid they will not endure. We pray for the government of Nigeria as they plan a strategy for subduing the escalating terrorism. And we pray for the deliberate assault on Christ’s church there. Through the lens of human resources there is no hope for this nation. But You are a God of hope and of sufficiency and so we pray that You would reach out Your hand of mercy and save them. In the name of Jesus our only hope in this life and the next Amen.
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Chibok Girls Have Spent Over 150 Days in Captivity
Sep 15 2014

Nigeria

In the immediate aftermath of their abduction 47 girls managed to escape either during the attack or shortly after their arrival at the camp. Since then no other girls have been returned to their families.

Dr. Stephen Davis an Australian cleric was appointed as presidential envoy in the negotiations with Boko Haram. He told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that since nobody knows the girls’ location he decided to use his contacts in the Shell gas company to see if they can help find the girls.

At the end of May Dr. Davis expressed optimism that they would soon be able to secure the girls’ release. In fact he succeeded in getting a commitment from Boko Haram to release some of the girls.

“They told me they’d be prepared to release some as a goodwill gesture towards a peace deal with the government so I went to Nigeria on the basis of being able to secure their release.” The rebels honored their promise and brought 60 girls in 20 vehicles to an agreed upon location in Cameroon. But the release was sabotaged.

“We traveled for four-and-a-half hours to reach them but 15 minutes before we arrived they were kidnapped again by another group who wanted to cash in on a reward. The police had offered a reward of several million Naira just 24 hours before we went to pick them up. I understand from the Boko Haram commanders I spoke to that the girls eventually ended up back with them.”

Dr. Davis has been in contact with the four girls who managed to escape from the camp. They left with the help of a young man who was also kidnapped by Boko Haram and forced to work as driver.

One of the girls had a cell phone with her. She had switched it off and kept it hidden in her clothing during their captivity and was able to use it to call her parents while hiding in the bush after their escape. They had no idea where they were or how to get home. Their parents told them to continue walking west every evening – in the direction of the setting sun. They made it to the Cameroon border and were reunited with their families.

The escaped girls revealed that they were raped on an almost daily basis. They said that girls who do not cooperate face severe punishment.

Dr. Davis tried to make contact via text message with the young man that helped the girls escape and got a chilling response “The person you are trying to contact has gone on a journey from which there is no return. He was an infidel.”

Although the world’s attention to the plight of the girls seems to be waning it remains clear that they are in the hands of brutal men.

In May Abubakar Shekau the leader of Boko Haram released two videos to the French Press Agency in which he claimed that “These girls you’re talking about some of them were Christian but they converted to Islam […] They now accept that Allah is the only God and that Jesus is one of his messengers […] This is my message to the world and yes I’m content with that…The girls who did not convert to Islam will not be released as long as you detain our people […] But the Muslim girls are our sisters.”

He also said “I repeat I’m going to sell these girls. I’m not going to release them as long as you detain our people and brutalize our own women… You’re making too much noise about these schoolgirls.”

After spending four months in Nigeria attempting to negotiate the girls’ release Dr. Davis returned to Australia. He said that through his dealing with Boko Haram he realized that the kidnappings will not end. “It became very clear that if I was able to get 50 girls released then another group would kidnap 70 or 80 more.”

In a telephone interview he told Open Doors that in April they were dealing with three separate factions that had agreed to work together. But now Boko Haram has become amalgamated and is mutating very quickly. The involvement of outside forces such as Al Qaeda ISIS and Al Shabaab is further radicalizing the group.

Although President Goodluck Jonathan remains under immense pressure to secure the girls’ release a rescue attempt is simply too dangerous at this time. The crisis is also unfolding against the backdrop of a very complex political landscape. Allegations that very high ranking politicians and international sponsors are in collusion with Boko Haram further complicate any negotiated settlement. So for now the Chibok girls’ ordeal drags on with their deeply distressed family members anxiously awaiting news about their daughters.

Father we implore You on behalf of these young women to restore them quickly to their families. Protect and encourage them with a clear awareness of Your presence. As they seek ways to escape give them wisdom and opportunity. Father in the midst of their sorrow we ask that You grant an uncommon peace to the parents of these girls calming their gripping fear and assuring them of Your presence with their daughters. In the name of Jesus whose presence in us we reflect in this dark world Amen.
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Christian Village Leader Freed; Another Still Jailed
Sep 08 2014

Laos

On Thursday July 17 Lao local police arrested two believers for refusing to recant their faith. After more than a month in prison one was released on Aug 23 for health reasons.

Tribal believers Loy* 25 and Sulilath* 22 were town leaders and church elders in a village in Bolikhamsai Province Central Laos. Local authorities held them responsible for the increase in Christian population in their village from three to 12 families in a span of two years.

Pastor Kane* a friend to the elders who witnessed their arrest shares “The police were alarmed that the people in our village were becoming Christians so they visited Loy and Sulilath saying ‘We don’t allow Christians here. If you don’t deny Jesus you only have two choices—leave town or go to jail.’ Loy and Sulilath chose to stay.”

For 37 days Loy and Sulilath were locked in separate cramped jail cells. With little space for movement Loy developed perpetual back pain and leg cramps. This development led the prison officials to release him from jail.

“After he got out Loy took his wife and two children out of the village immediately,” says Pastor Kane. “His family now stays with a close friend in another district.” Sulilath however remains behind bars.

The communist government of Laos believes that its national identity is directly linked with Buddhism. This government stance makes it common for tribal Christians like Loy and Sulilath to be expelled from their villages and even tortured and imprisoned by their neighbors relatives and local officials for choosing to follow Jesus Christ. Laos ranks 21st on Open Doors’ 2014 World Watch List.

Father we pray for believers in Laos who have turned to faith in Christ despite the threat of expulsion from their homes and even of imprisonment and torture. Thank You for their testimony of faith. Today we lay before Your throne our brother Sulilath as he remains in prison. Father be his constant presence and strength to meet the challenges of each day and that You would help him to know we are praying for him. While we give thanks and praise for Loy’s release we pray for him and his family; that You would sustain them with shelter food and protection. Grant brother Loy wisdom and protection that he might continue to work on behalf of Your church. In the name of Jesus whose promise never to leave us or forsake us gives us hope in our darkest hours Amen.

*Real names and specific places were hidden to protect the believers
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Colombian Pastors Caught amidst Invisible War Lines
Sep 01 2014

Colombia

Residents in Buenaventura Colombia are struggling for survival in a city divided by invisible battle lines and a booming cocaine trade. The sounds of constant gunfire threats and violence fill the air as many residents of the busy seaport city have been forced to flee their homes to avoid the conflict that is consuming the region.

Buenaventura’s unstable conditions and poor economy make it a hotbed of violence and drug trafficking. The city’s once pristine shore is now a hub for the underground drug trade which moves approximately 250 tons of cocaine through the waterways each year largely on speedboats headed for Costa Rica and Panama. Amidst the constant fighting between the four illegal armed groups seeking control over Buenaventura and the largely unsupervised youth engaging in criminal activities an end to the increasing violence is nowhere in sight. The city is also overwhelmed with crimes at the hands of drug traffickers who have no regard for human life; even children in the city are kidnapped or brutally murdered as bargaining chips.

Among those struggling for survival in Buenaventura are 23 pastors whose lives and congregations have been uprooted by the violence. While most pastors have fled Buenaventura because of fear or the threat of financial penalties a few have chosen to stay. Faced with tremendous pressure pastors who remain face constant threats of extortion and opposition from guerilla members.

During a meeting with Open Doors these courageous pastors shared their stories of persecution and how they continue sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the guerilla members.

Pastor Hernando Parra (alias) saw a gospel opportunity in a region notorious for criminal gang violence and chose to reach out to the very individuals who are terrorizing the city. With a team of young believers Parra obtained entrance to the area once a week ministering to the troubled individuals within the local gangs. The team continued to work in Buenaventura until December 2013 when members of an armed illegal group told them that they could no longer continue evangelizing.

Another pastor stood up to a guerilla fighter face-to-face when he was ordered to leave his home and his congregation. The man threatened him with extortion but the pastor firmly resisted. In the face of the pastor’s steadfast refusal to back down the guerilla member eventually left and did not return.

Some pastors however have been less eager to become targets for these guerilla groups. Some gripped by fear have remained silent in the wake of the gruesome deaths of fellow believers who have spoken out. Many believers and residents of Buenaventura who have chosen to resist the guerrillas and report the violence and activities of the warlords have been brutally murdered in killing houses or casas de pique.

Following relentless acts of violence kidnappings and blackmail against the Christian community pastors are seeing their congregations displaced and scattered. Death threats extortion and murders continue to increase as guerilla members intensify persecution tactics. The Christian retreat from Buenaventura has now become a mass exodus.

In light of the persecution and violence pastors in Buenaventura gather regularly for prayer and fasting. Open Doors recently paved the way for the President of the Colombian Evangelical Council to travel to the city to speak with local pastors showing them that they are not forgotten. Pastors in the region report that through much prayer and fasting they have seen God’s mighty hand at work.

The believers of Buenaventura continue to share the gospel even in the midst of adversity and fear resisting both the visible drug war on the streets and the unseen spiritual battle raging on in the hearts and minds of the people of Buenaventura.

Father thank You for the confidence we can have that even in the midst of evil and bloodshed in the midst of persecution against Your people You are there. You hear their cries. You grant courage and wisdom and peace. You protect their souls from the onslaught of our archenemy Satan. We pray Your comfort to rest on the families of those who grieve the loss of loved ones who have been brutally murdered. Give them confidence from Your Word; that the slain ones who were in You are now whole and at peace rejoicing in Your glorious presence. Grant them daily courage and strength to face whatever comes before them. Dispel fear with a growing knowledge of who You are and grant wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent whether to stay or to flee. And as they share the gospel of Christ with their neighbors and with their enemies bring fruit; that a mighty army of Christ might overcome the spiritual darkness in Buenaventura. In the name of Jesus who in our times of weakness becomes our strength Amen.
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Egyptian Christians Kidnapped in Libya
Sep 08 2014

Libya

According to the well-informed Libya Herald four Egyptian Christians were kidnapped by unknown armed assailants while traveling from Tripoli to the Egyptian border.

According to the Libya Herald “they were in a vehicle with three other Egyptians all Muslims and had just passed through Sirte when they were stopped at a checkpoint. Armed men asked to see the passengers’ papers and passports. Then they began asking each passenger about his religious beliefs.”

According to one of the other passengers when the armed men realized that four of the Egyptians were Christians they forced the Christians to get out of the car and ordered the driver to leave with the other three men. One of the passengers and the driver tried to ask what was going to happen to the victims. The abductors became angry and began to threaten them demanding that they leave immediately.

When the remaining passengers reached Egypt one of them informed the family of the victims. According to a human rights group the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been notified and has promised to take action.

The four men have been identified; they are brothers Jamal Matta Hakim Rafat Matta Hakim and Romani Matta Hakim and the son of their cousin Adel Sadiki Hakim.

Fierce fighting between warring militia groups is on the rise in Libya. This is partially due to the weak national government which has been unable to control the violence in the country. Several foreign Christians have been killed this year and many foreign workers have been forced to leave the country because of the security situation.

Open Doors recognizes this incident is a result of the current instability in the country. The position of national and foreign believers has been rapidly deteriorating since last year making this the most difficult North African country in which to be a Christian. In the absence of the rule of law violence against Christians has increased. Previously the main source of persecution was the government and its secret services; now it is Islamist extremist movements such as the Salafists. Most Christians are afraid to meet with other believers as any kind of non-Islamic religious gathering for Libyans is forbidden; ex-pats can have their own churches but Libyans are not allowed to attend.

Father we pray for these four men the Matta brothers and their cousin Adel; that they might be returned safely to their families. We pray for an end to such incidents and for justice to rule. We pray also for other Libyan and foreign Christians in the country; that in their isolation You will protect them and provide for ways to fellowship and worship with other believers. Teach them how to be Your ambassadors in a land that is hostile to Christ and His followers. We pray for the extremists; that Your Holy Spirit might confront them with the truth of Christ and that they might lay down their swords and seek peace. In the name of Jesus who hears the cries of His people and is their strength in times of weakness Amen.
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Egyptian Fire Crew in No Hurry to Put Out Church Fire. Sep 15 2014. Egypt. The pounding on the door shook Mina Hanna awake. A neighbor brought urgent news Fire at the church. It was 3 a.m.

Hanna and his younger brother Ibrahim Saber ran to their church Mar Girgis Coptic Orthodox in the Sharara village in the center of Abu Qurqas a city of about 60,000 people in Minya Province located about 150 miles south of Cairo.

They found the back room of Mar Girgis in flames with smoke pouring from the rear door. Hanna immediately called the fire department. He then called the priest Rev. Abdel Massih Obaid who quickly arrived at the church. He too called the fire department.

Hanna reports that during the next 90 minutes he and the members of Mar Girgis and its neighbors formed a bucket brigade to quench the fire. No one was hurt but he said the blaze destroyed the rear of the small church building and its contents the priest’s office church records books pews and other furniture.

During those 90 minutes multiple calls were made to the fire station. Around 5:30 a.m. a fire truck finally arrived at the church; the fire had already been out for an hour.

“There is hatred inside the hearts of many Muslims toward us. They consider us infidels,” Hanna told World Watch Monitor. “They wanted the church to burn. The majority of Muslims especially in Upper Egypt are fanatics and hate us.” Hanna acknowledged however that Muslim neighbors were among those helping to throw buckets of water onto the churches flames.

This lackadaisical response towards Christian emergencies is universal throughout Egypt. Christians who need help rarely receive prompt attention. For many years watchdog groups have noted the Egyptian bureaucracy’s tilt against Christians. In 1993 Human Rights Watch documented the myriad of ways the government denies and delays permits to build and repair churches. Church permits continue to require the signature of the president himself while mosque construction is lightly and locally regulated.

More recently Human Rights Watch catalogued examples of neglect by police and fire agencies following the military’s August 2013 crackdown on large demonstrations by the Muslim Brotherhood. Already angered by the Army’s removal of then-President Mohamed Morsi leader of the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party Muslim mobs reacted to the violent breakup of the demonstrations by looting and burning scores of churches and Christian business across the country.

“Security forces were largely absent even when they had been informed of ongoing attacks,” the report said. “For weeks everyone could see these attacks coming with Muslim Brotherhood members accusing Coptic Christians of a role in [Morsi’s] ouster but the authorities did little or nothing to prevent them,” Joe Stork acting Middle East director said in the report.
Source World Watch Monitor
Father Your church has suffered greatly over the past few years. Today we ask that You protect Your people in Egypt as they face increasing persecution. Father we know that often struggles bring people together; we pray that Your people will be a light within their communities. May their testimony of joy love and forgiveness be a witness drawing many into a relationship with Christ Jesus. Praying in the name of Jesus who loves His Church and sustains her with His all-surpassing power Amen.
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Further Charges Against Iranian Pastor
Sep 22 2014

Iran

Pastor Behnam Irani who was sentenced to six years in prison in 2011 now faces 18 new charges according to reports coming out of Iran.

Among the new charges against Pastor Irani is the charge of ‘Mofsed-e-filarz’ which translates to ‘spreading corruption on earth’ and carries with it the death penalty.

His health is weak and he has been forced to spend long periods of time in solitary confinement. In June Pastor Irani was taken from the prison and temporarily held in solitary confinement in an Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security detention center. On five occasions he faced four-hour periods of interrogation.

Consider writing to Pastor Irani and other Iranian prisoners and let them know that they have not been forgotten by their church family around the world. . Click here for writing guidelines.

Father we thank You for the spiritual freedom You have bestowed on Pastor Behnam. But like the Apostle Paul before him he is suffering in earthly chains. We pray that You will keep his eyes and heart turned toward You so that he may not fall into bitterness and despair. Fill him with Your purposes and strength and authority. Use him Father to proclaim Your gospel regardless of the circumstances. We pray with our brother from Your Word “put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground.” (Eph. 6:13) In the name of Jesus our Rock and our Salvation Amen.
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Insecurity Continues in Nigeria; Spills into Cameroon
Sep 29 2014

Nigeria

On Friday September 19th as trading was in full swing in the northeastern town of Mainoik Boko Haram fighters reportedly stormed the market place around 1:30pm opening fire on traders and killing at least 36 people. Many who tried to escape the market area were killed by stray bullets or by vehicles as they attempted to flee across the highway. The town is less than 35 miles west of Borno’s state capital Maiduguri. The military say they killed at least 48 insurgents as they fled the town.

One day before the assault on Mainoik Boko Haram attacked the Federal College of Education in Kano. At least 15 people died in this attack. Witnesses said the attackers stormed the college exchanging fire with police officers posted outside the grounds. There was at least one suicide bomber among the group whose explosives detonated when police shot him. The explosion caused the ceiling in one of the buildings to collapse. Several of the insurgents entered a lecture hall and opened fire on the students.

Boko Haram’s violent attacks also occurred across the border in Cameroon. The militants launched their first assault in the early evening of September 18th in Assighassia. The army responded promptly; two militants were killed and a Cameroonian soldier injured in the ensuing fight. “Two hours later the terrorist group again attacked the village of Ganse and killed four civilians,” state-run Cameroon Radio Television reported. More than 40,000 people have fled to Cameroon to escape Boko Haram attacks in northern Nigeria. Now the danger is following them across the border prompting the UNHCR to try to move these refugees further from the frontlines.

Meanwhile the bishops of Nigeria in a September 21st statement called upon the Nigerian government to do more to protect lives and properties. “As Nigeria tragically bleeds and burns we bishops are alarmed at the scale of human and material destruction and at the disruption of village and community life with increased levels of hatred and the potential for more conflicts in the nation. While Muslims are sometimes targets of these destructive attacks Christians churches and non-Muslims in general are the principal targets for extermination expropriation and expulsion by the Boko Haram insurgents the perpetrators of all this destruction… In the face of this Boko Haram group and other criminal militias arming themselves beyond our legitimate government and brazenly killing innocent defenseless citizens our government must do more than it is currently doing to safeguard our lives and defend our nation. It must do more than it is currently doing to fight off and disarm these actual destroyers of Nigerians and Nigeria. It must do more than it is currently doing to prevent segments of our nation from drifting into anarchy and mutual self-destruction and to bring criminals to justice,” the bishops declared.

Father we pray for the nation of Nigeria and the constant onslaught of Boko Haram attacks. You call us to trust in You and not in governments or other man-made institutions who cannot save. And so we turn to You; that You will save and empower the nation’s forces to combat these attacks in a way that it will be clear that it has come from You. We pray for Christians who faithfully come to church and worship each week knowing the danger. We pray for the girls who were kidnapped and their families; that You would protect and reunite them. And we pray for the many who have lost homes and family members; that You would provide comfort and shelter and sustenance and that You would grant hope. In the name of Jesus their only hope (and ours) in this life Amen.
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Iraq Blog – New perspectives
Sep 01 2014

Iraq

On behalf of Open Doors Lydia writes about the current situation in Iraq. In the country to support the local team and to get in touch with Open Doors’ partners in ministry she is also there to bring the people she meets the message that they are not forgotten.

Today is my last day in this shaken country. Tomorrow I will be leaving Iraq and going back home. Just like that. So easy. A huge contrast to the lives of the people I have met during the past few days. On several occasions Christians communicated in sign-language they would love to go with me—by putting both their index fingers together and making the suggestion of flying away.

There are times I feel deep sorrow and then the next moment I can’t help but laugh out loud about something that is happening or what someone is saying. It is an emotional rollercoaster and somehow still my body and stomach are protesting against it in a way.

Today we visited an unfinished concrete building that houses over 100 Christian families. Part of the space is divided by canvas with a “home” for every family but in other parts of the building they just live in the open. The displaced Christians are taken care of by the people of Saint Joseph’s Church.

I must admit that photogenic places like these are a photographers’ dream; on the other hand I feel like a paparazzo. These people lost everything even their privacy and then on top of that as a stranger and foreigner I come and take pictures of their distress.

But instead of being offended they welcome me as a friend. A young student tells me in his best English that it is very important that we tell their story to the world through pictures and writing. They even ask me to take pictures of them. They are thanking me for being there. It is all a matter of perspective. Especially the children are very fond of their picture being taken. And they are so cute!

After five days of visiting churches refugee camps houses pastors and co-workers I have learned so much and have seen such great faith. Even when people go through the darkest valley if there is faith then there is love hope and even laughter.

Pastor Douglas for example motivates the children to feel responsible for the hygiene of the tent camp at the church yard. At the end of each day he calls for the “garbage moment.” Every full bag of garbage boys and girls can show him will be rewarded with some cookies drinks or other small items. Apart from having a fun moment by doing so it also teaches them to keep the place clean and that it is good to take care of your surroundings.

Another Pastor tells me that he motivates people to participate in the support to other refugees. He says “It helps them to have some purpose in life and it helps them to focus on the good things. Seeing the great need of others sometimes helps them to be thankful for the things they still have like food a place to stay and family.”
Another great initiative is to help churches in creating child-friendly spaces- a special place or tent where children can be just children. Makruhi is a trainer with one of Open Doors’ partners; she recently started teaching churches how to create such child-friendly spaces. This project also includes training workers. She prepares the workers by telling them what they can expect in the behavior of the ones that are traumatized. She also shows them how to respond to the aggressive behavior some children may have. In short the message will always be to try to understand the reason a child may be aggressive. Never respond in anger but show them love and compassion. And if necessary provide a correction to counterbalance the misbehavior.
The child-friendly space that has been setup in one of the camps looks great. It is a large blue tent padded with colorful cloth on the inside. Through a local partner Open Doors sponsored the tent all the little chairs for the children the fans to cool the tent and even the children’s games. Pastor Daniel and the children can’t wait to start!
Children are the future. I’m confident that when they are healthy both physically and spiritually there will be hope for this country. The ethnic and religious boundaries are sharp in Iraq—Christian or Muslim but also inside the church Orthodox Evangelical or Catholic. However if the children of today learn about hope and love they will know how to live in peace with each other. Then they will get the chance to make a difference for their own lives and also for the future of their country.
Father thank You for the resiliency You have created in children to enjoy life whatever their circumstances. Where we have forgotten that skill give us faith to relearn it. We pray for these children in the refugee camps asking that You continue to provide food shelter and a safe place to learn and grow. Show them Yourself in dramatic ways and draw them near to Your heart that they might always walk in Your way. We pray also for those who are working with the children that You will daily give them the energy resourcefulness and wisdom to lead well and to be effective disciples. And very soon bring about an end to the oppression of ISIS and an end to war. In the name of Jesus who calls us to come to Him as little children Amen.
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Nepali Pastor Leaves Prison After Serving 2 Years for Killing a Cow
Sep 15 2014

Nepal

A Nepali pastor sentenced to twelve years in prison for slaughtering a cow has been released early after a court declared him not guilty on July 17. Reverand Chhedar Lhomi Bhote 37 had served two years of his sentence.

Bhote was arrested in October 2012 after a Hindu mob burned down his home in northeastern Nepal where he and his wife were ministering to Tibetans. The mob accused him of eating beef which is taboo in Nepal but not actually illegal for non-Hindus and of killing a cow. Although the law is rarely enforced intentionally slaughtering a cow a sacred animal to Nepal’s majority Hindus is punishable by up to 12 years in prison.

Hindu society is very sensitive to how other faiths regard their sacred animal. Some Hindu groups have recently alleged that Christians encourage new converts to show disrespect to Hindu symbols including the cow. These reports are causing anger and accusations of forced conversion in Nepali society.

A Hindu protest group called Vedic Sanatan Hindu Rastha Nepal recently brought cow slaughter into the spotlight by carrying out a month-long hunger strike. Hindu holy man Yuva Sant Shri Shrinevasacharya led the strike declaring “Hindus Hindu gurus and other organizations should unite to fight against the growing number of crimes against our identity and culture. We will no longer sit aside and watch as cows are slaughtered in this sacred land of our ancestors.”

Hindu groups are linking cow slaughter to faith conversion – two issues that many Hindus find unacceptable in the Hindu-majority country. In addition missionaries and Christian NGOs are often accused of using promises of money and education to lure poor non-Christians into the faith.

Reports show that Christianity is among the fastest growing faiths in the country where more than 75 percent of the population is Hindu. According to Operation World although Nepal’s Christian population is only 2.85 percent the rapid growth of Christianity – contrasted to the declining numbers of Hindus– is a major concern for Hindu leaders.

The 2001 census showed the Christian population to be 180,000; by the 2011 375,699 identified themselves as Christian more than double from ten years prior.

The number of churches in Nepal has also increased substantially. In the Banke district alone the number of churches has quadrupled from 10 to 40 since Nepal became a secular state in 2006 following the deposition of its king.