Strength for the Church in China: Persecution of Christians in China has risen since 2018, when China imposed tough religious restrictions. Freedom of faith is guaranteed under the constitution but in practice, the authorities bulldoze churches, tear down crosses and imprison pastors. It used to be only unofficial churches that were targeted, but now China is destroying state-registered churches and persecuting their pastors. Prayer meetings in homes and the sharing of religious messages with children are banned. Please pray for strength for the Church in China in this era of growing repression.
Difficulties as Christians in Pakistan: Christians (indeed any non-Muslims) are marginalised because of their faith, often forced to work at menial jobs such as in brick kilns or as domestic servants. A good education for their children is hard to find, and they are vulnerable to accusations of blasphemy purely to settle personal scores. Victims can be imprisoned for years before their cases are resolved and if they are exonerated there is no guarantee they won’t be targeted by extremists. For some like Asia Bibi, who spent eight years on death row after being convicted of blasphemy, a charge later overturned by the Supreme Court, their only option is to leave the country. For those who convert to Christianity the risks are greater, as they are rejected by family and friends and can be forced into hiding. Pray for protection, justice and provision for Christians in Pakistan.
Security measures needed for Punjab churches: Churches in Pakistan’s Punjab province have been instructed to put security measures in place by the provincial government because of fears of an attack. The authorities issued a notification to close or seal churches in the province if adequate measures were not taken. Please pray for those Christians in Punjab province amid this latest threat of attack. Christians in Pakistan feel particularly vulnerable after the hardliner reaction to the acquittal of Christian prisoner Asia Bibi. Asia, who was falsely accused of blasphemy, spent ten years behind bars, eight of which were on death row.
New regulations close Churches: Since February 2018, when new regulations on religion were introduced, the Chinese Government has been waging a growing and sustained campaign of repression against Christians in a number of provinces. Churches have been destroyed or have seen their crosses torn down, pastors arrested and imprisoned, and those trying to represent them in the courts detained and even tortured. Nearly 200 government-run churches in Henan province have recently been shut down, leaving only three such congregations in the area. Unregistered or ‘house’ churches (not under government control) are facing severe challenges. February’s religious ordinance is even in violation of China’s own constitution. Please pray that God would sustain the church in China at this difficult time and that the religious ordinance would be revoked so that Christians are free to practise and share their faith unhindered.
Uttar Pradesh church attack: Rishu, a partially blind girl, was severely beaten with sticks, and a ten-year-old boy needed stitches after the attack on the Uttar Pradesh church in India. Pray that these children will know God’s love and healing and become powerful witnesses for Christ.
Standing firm in faith: Eritrea has outlawed churches, arrested pastors, and continues to round up and torture Christians. Facing a hopeless future of menial army work, Eritrean young men are fleeing the country by the hundreds. Typical military conscripts face mistreatment, poor working conditions, and an endless term of service, but Christian draftees who are open about their faith fare worse. One Christian conscript, Hagos, was hung from a pole while his commander beat him all over his body. He told him, “You must abandon this American religion.” Hagos said, “When they untied me, I couldn’t walk anymore. I was bruised and bleeding all over. They carried me away on a stretcher”. Pray for Christian conscripts and prisoners, some of whom have been locked away for 14 years.
Child suicides: Christians in Indonesia are feeling more vulnerable after a family with children carried out suicide bomb attacks on three churches in Surabaya city in May. A woman is believed to have blown up herself and two daughters in an attack on one church. Within minutes, her husband had driven his car into another, while their teenage sons on a motorbike detonated a bomb outside a third. The youngest of the children was nine. At least 13 people died and more than 40 others were wounded. Please pray for all those affected by the attacks, which were timed to coincide with Sunday services. The next day, a family of five, including an eight-year-old child, carried out a bomb attack on a police station in Surabaya, killing at least four.
New Religious Laws: New religious laws threaten to limit the freedom of Christians in Vietnam. The Law on Belief and Religion, which came into force on 1st January 2018, has alarmed Christians because it insists religious groups must be registered and approved by the Government. They believe the law’s vague wording could be exploited to limit church activities. Pray that Christians in Vietnam will know God’s peace and presence. Despite some improvement in religious freedom in Vietnam in recent years, some believers continue to face intense pressure, especially those who speak out against corruption and rights abuses. Christian lawyer Nguyen Van Dai and Pastor Nguyen Trung Ton are still in custody in Hanoi, following their arrests in December 2015 and 2017 respectively, after they called for greater religious freedom. They have been barred from meeting their lawyers.
Blasphemy laws in Pakistan: Christians continue to suffer injustice under the blasphemy laws in Pakistan, where simply an accusation of blasphemy against Islam, the Qur'an or Islam’s prophet Muhammad can lead to attacks or imprisonment. One of those behind bars is Christian Zafar Bhatti, who was sentenced to life imprisonment after being accused of sending blasphemous text messages from his mobile phone. He says there have been several attempts on his life in jail, including a near-fatal poisoning in 2013. Pray that his appeal will be successful and that other Christians falsely accused will also receive justice.
Persecution in Pakistan: Ask God to sustain and strengthen His people in Pakistan, amid severe persecution. ‘Alian’ (name changed), an 18-year-old believer in Punjab, suffered a brutal assault - but police seem reluctant to investigate. The Christian teenager was beaten, gang-raped and forcibly converted to Islam – and left unconscious. When Alian was found after the attack, he was taken to hospital, where he was threatened and told to remain silent, according to his family. Police initially dismissed his rape allegations. They have since arrested several suspects but appear to be pressuring the family to drop the case. Pray that God will comfort, heal and restore Alian, and deliver justice for him and other Christians in Pakistan who have been persecuted simply because of their faith.
Arrested and rounded-up: The Eritrean government has started a fresh crackdown against Christians. What’s made this persecution different is that whole families have been arrested. Our partner reported that about 160 Christians had been arrested, including families with children. In the capital, Asmara, 49 people from Enda Korea were arrested during a wedding celebration. Christians in the northern Red Sea region have also been rounded up. Twelve children, one as young as two months, were believed to have been sent to prison with their parents in Adi Quala. Pray for the 30 plus children left without parents or guardians with the security police who are monitoring them to make sure they do not receive support from the Christian community.
Bomb Attacks: At least 47 people were killed and over 100 injured in the recent bombings that hit two churches north of Cairo during Palm Sunday services. One bomb went off in Tanta in the Nile Delta region and another in Alexandria. Please pray that God will comfort his people in Egypt. The first bomb exploded inside St George’s Church in Tanta, killing at least 29 people, according to a Release partner; 75 others were injured. In the second attack, a suicide bomber detonated his device outside St Mark’s Cathedral, killing at least 16 people and injuring 33. A Release partner said afterwards: “May God have mercy on our country and may the prayers of the church beyond our borders be a source of strength to the Egyptian church, which has stood strong against persecution for 14 centuries.”
Praying Against Violence: Following the bombing of St Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo and an attack on believers in Upper Egypt, concerns were raised that there might be a return to the anti-Christian violence of 2013, which followed the military’s overthrow of President Mohammed Morsi. At least 25 people, mostly women and children, were killed in the explosion in the capital in December 2016 and dozens more were injured. Two weeks before, Christians in the Upper Egypt village of Al-Nagameesh in Sohag governorate were targeted by a mob that went on the rampage, destroying homes and businesses. Pray for protection for our fellow believers in Egypt.
Persecution is Mounting: In recent years Mindanao has become a flashpoint for extremist attacks. The father of 12-year-old Naomi was murdered in September apparently because of his faith and work as a church elder in Mindanao in the southern Philippines. Perfecto was at home in Sultan Kudarat when two men drove up and shot him seven times. Local Christians have also reportedly come under pressure to sell church property to Muslims who have built a mosque close by. Some have fled the area because of related attacks on nearby villages. Pray for Naomi and her younger brother, who are now orphans. Pray for peace in Sultan Kudarat, that the land dispute will be resolved and that Christians will stand strong in their faith, especially in areas where persecution is mounting.
Offensive Preaching: Christian leaders in Nigeria are concerned about a Religious Regulation Bill proposed by the state governor of Kaduna which could see street evangelists fined and pastors sent to jail for up to two years for so-called ‘offensive’ preaching. The Bill would also require clergy to obtain an annual preaching permit. Church leaders fear that the legislation is an attempt to stifle and target Christians under the guise of tackling extremism. A Release partner in Nigeria believes the legislation would set a dangerous precedent. Please pray that the Bill does not become law.
Suicide bomb attack: Pray for protection for the vulnerable Christian minority in Pakistan in the wake of the suicide bomb attack in Lahore on Easter Sunday. One man whose son was killed told Release: ‘We have no more tears.’ Although the attack was deliberately targeted at Christians a number of Muslims were killed. Pray for all the bereaved, injured and traumatised, that all would know God’s healing touch. More than 70 were killed and 350 injured. On the same day thousands of Islamist extremists demonstrated in the capital demanding the execution of Asia Bibi, a Christian whose appeal against the death sentence for blasphemy is pending in the Supreme Court. Pray Asia’s appeal would succeed and that the widely misused blasphemy laws would be repealed.
Rejection for Christians: Villagers in remote areas of Laos who convert to Christianity are often rejected by their community, who fear that any turning away from traditional animist beliefs will upset the spirits. Converts can have their family books confiscated which removes their standing in society and severely restricts their ability to access services such as education for children. At the same time Christians have been imprisoned for evangelising and some pastors are kept under surveillance by the communist authorities. Please pray for Christians as they seek to reach out to their communities; for pastors as they work to help their churches in often poor and remote areas. Pray too that the government will recognise the value of Christians and stop mistakenly seeing Christianity as a tool of the West.
Imprisoned pastor: Around 90 Christians are reported to be detained in Iran for their faith, most of them from a Muslim background. The majority face harsh conditions in prison, and some have been interrogated and tortured. Reports have emerged that intelligence officers repeatedly used a taser gun on one prisoner, pastor Saeed Abedini, during interrogation and that he is in need of medical treatment. It is believed that Saeed, who is currently serving an eight-year sentence for his involvement in Iran’s house church movement, continues to suffer abuse at the hands of other inmates too. Interrogators have told him that he could face new charges, alleging that he has connections with groups opposed to the Government – claims Saeed denies.
Rising extremism: Christian leaders in Indian states such as Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand say the BJP’s win in federal elections in 2014 has emboldened Hindu extremists to target churches. More than 20 attacks and incidents of police filing fake conversion cases against Christians were recorded in the first four months of 2015. Extremists reportedly beat Christians praying in a Presbyterian church in Indore. Not only have churches in the state been attacked: a church-run home for physically handicapped children was targeted recently. In Jharkhand, two missionary-run schools were raided by a mob of extremists demanding their closure. Pray that state officials will do more to prevent religious persecution, especially in rural areas.
Churches demolished: A government demolition programme targeting churches continues apace in coastal Zhejiang province, with the destruction in June of a new megachurch. Yanxia Church, a state-recognised church in Wenling city, was pulled down, soon after its completion, apparently to make way for a new road. Church leaders had reportedly agreed a compensation deal with officials, although reports suggest they were pressured into an agreement. At least 425 churches are known to have been affected by the local government’s ongoing ‘Three Rectifications and One Demolition’ campaign. Please pray for an end to the local government campaign targeting churches in Zhejiang. Pray that congregations in this province – and across China, including Guizhou – will be like ‘a town built on a hill’, whose light cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14).
Feeling unsafe: Church leaders say many Christians in Israel and the Palestinian Territories now feel unsafe, after recently being the target of attacks and inflammatory speeches. An imam at the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem recently posted a video on the Internet urging Muslims to be in a constant state of war against the ‘polytheist enemy’, namely Christians, and also against Jews. In May, a mob attacked property in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem, following a row between a Christian and a Muslim. Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Israel and the Palestinian Territories to be salt and light in their communities. Pray too that moderate Muslims and Christians will unite to stand against extremism in all its forms and promote religious tolerance.
Christians accused of blasphemy: Pakistan’s Christian community has felt increasingly vulnerable since the September 2013 bombing of All Saints Church in Peshawar. In March 2015, at least 19 people were killed when bombs were detonated outside two churches in the Christian colony of Youhannabad, Lahore. Less than a fortnight later, armed motorcyclists opened fire on St Peter’s Church and High School in the Township area of Lahore. Christians are also vulnerable to being falsely accused under the country’s blasphemy laws. Punjab officials are fast-tracking cases where they believe defendants are accused of blasphemy without basis - but have excluded Christians from the process for fear of a violent reaction by hardliners. Pray that the government will increase security for the Christian minority and reform the blasphemy legislation so that the innocent are protected.
Separatists seize evangelical church: Separatists seized an evangelical church in eastern Ukraine in November amid reports of increasingly frequent attacks on Christians in the region. Armed separatists broke into a newly constructed church in Donetsk, driving out the Christians inside and forbidding them from holding any further services there. They threatened to kill anyone who disobeyed this order. The Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine are under the control of pro-Russian separatists. The Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine issued a statement reporting intense persecution of Christians citing 'abductions, beatings, torture, threats of execution, pogroms at the places of prayer meetings'. Please pray for protection.
Increasing persecution: In June, a pastor and three members of his congregation were hospitalised following a mob attack in Sri Lanka’s Mannar district. The Christians had gathered at a home in Madu village for a meeting with police to discuss threats made to Christians who had attended a prayer meeting there the previous day. As the Christians waited for the police, some 150 villagers surrounded the house and started to abuse them. Around 40 people then stormed the house, beating the pastor unconscious and assaulting other Christians. Police arrived only after the mob had fled. Pray for God to restore those who have been injured or traumatised by recent attacks. Pray for Christians in Sri Lanka to stand firm in their faith amidst increasing persecution.
Villages targeted by extremists: Christians in north and central Nigeria continue to be targeted by Islamic extremist group Boko Haram (meaning ‘Western education is forbidden’), which is trying to establish an Islamic state, and by armed Fulani militants. Villages are often targeted and inhabitants brutally killed and their homes and churches destroyed. In March in the Riyom area of Plateau state eight members of one family were burned to death in their home. During an attack on a village in Wukari, Taraba state, on April 15th, seven people were killed and the church and all the houses destroyed. Resolve on behalf of the authorities to tackle this violence has also too often appeared largely to be lacking. Please pray for an end to the violence and that the security forces will act effectively to protect all Nigerian citizens.
Hit and run: Friends of a popular Pakistani preacher killed by a hit-and-run driver suspect he may have been murdered because of his conversion from Islam. Rashid Mehmood, 33, came from a rich, influential Muslim family but turned to Christ in 2005. Though he trained as a lawyer, he decided to become a pastor and to preach the Gospel, despite strong opposition from his relatives. He was riding on a motorbike driven by another pastor friend on Boxing Day when a car began to chase them, then deliberately drove into them. He suffered serious head injuries and died later in hospital. Pray that God will comfort Rashid’s church and strengthen their faith so they will continue his ministry by reaching out with boldness and love to their community.
Scapegoats: Pray God’s peace over Christians in Egypt. They have been treated as scapegoats by supporters of the Morsi presidency, and have been attacked with apparent impunity. Pray for an end to the violence and political turmoil. Thank God that pastors whose churches have been attacked are working for reconciliation with their Muslim neighbours. Pray that God will bless these efforts and pray that other Christians too will have the courage to seek reconciliation, not retaliation.
Worsening violence: Canon Andrew White, known as the ‘Vicar of Baghdad’, has asked for urgent prayer for the church in Iraq amid intense violence. With frequent bombings and shootings in cities such as Baghdad and Mosul, monthly death tolls have soared recently. January’s toll of 1,000 dead was the highest for almost six years. “Hundreds of our people have left the church because they have left the country,” he says. “The hundreds left are those who cannot afford to leave, so the poverty and needs seem greater than ever. I honestly cannot tell you how terrible things are. We are in more than a desperate crisis. We need your prayers.” Ask God to protect and sustain Iraqi Christians amid the worsening violence. Pray for an end to the bloodshed in Iraq and an end to the fighting, which is mainly between Sunni militants and the Shia-dominated government.
Mandatory death sentence: An influential court in Pakistan is calling for the mandatory death sentence for blasphemy. If implemented, the move could result in further attacks and accusations against Pakistan’s Christian minority. Currently, most defendants convicted of blasphemy are serving a life sentence, even though the official penalty for defaming Islam’s prophet Mohammed is death. While blasphemy cases are brought against other religious groups, including Muslims, the number brought against Christians is disproportionately high. Continue to pray for justice for Christians in Pakistan.
Imprisoned without trial: The Eritrean Government runs a campaign of open persecution against Christians: about 1,500 believers, including several pastors, are said to be in jail currently. Many are imprisoned indefinitely and without trial. Conditions are often inhumane and many inmates suffer ill-treatment, sometimes torture. For some the only hope of being released is to sign documents declaring that they will no longer practise their faith.
Violence in Egypt: The recent violence against the church in Egypt by those angry at the overthrow of President Morsi has been described by one Egyptian scholar as the worst since the 14th century. Although the turmoil has subsided, life for Christians is uncertain and there is a growing exodus of believers from the country. Thank God that few Christians were killed in the violence and pray that those who remain will be strong and make the most of opportunities to share the gospel. A partner told us in the summer: ‘Egypt is at a turning point to Jesus and Christians here need spiritual support for this. We need your prayers.’ Pray for peace and that God will protect and sustain his church as it reaches out with the gospel.
A harsh sentence: In September, Mohamed el Baldi, 34, a Moroccan Christian from the town of Ain Aicha near Fes, was jailed for two and a half years and ordered to pay 5,000 dirhams (about £380) for ‘shaking the faith of a Muslim’. His sentence is considered harsh: the maximum punishment for evangelism is usually six months in jail. Mohamed, who became a Christian about seven years ago, was detained after his house was raided on 28th August. Propagating Christianity is prohibited by law in Morocco. Pray that God will be close to Mohamed el Baldi during his imprisonment. Pray that God will use him to show other prisoners His great love for the Moroccan people.
Increasing persecution: Persecution in India is increasing - particularly for independent churches in rural areas. It includes physical assault, attacks on churches and Christian property, and harassment of Christian workers and missionaries. The sharp rise in the number of attacks on Christians over the last 15 years has paralleled the rise of Hindutva extremism. Pray that the church will not be fearful: pray rather that it will be refined and strengthened by persecution.
Imprisoned for blasphemous texts: Three Christians in Gojra have been imprisoned, accused of sending blasphemous texts. Tensions are high in the Punjab community where a blasphemy row sparked violence in August 2009 which left eight Christians dead and many homes destroyed. On 13th July Sajjad Masih Gill, 29, was sentenced to life imprisonment. Shafqat Masih and Shagufta Bibi, a couple with four young children, have been held in jail since their arrest. Police claimed that local hardliners were demanding the death sentence for the couple. Pray that God will be close to Sajjad, Shafqat, Shagufta and their families and that all three will be released soon. Pray for peace for Christians in Gojra: ask God to protect and strengthen them. Pray for wisdom for local officials dealing with these cases and that they will do nothing to inflame the situation further.
Alleged torture and murder: In June, thousands of Christians in Punjab took to the street in protest at the alleged torture and murder of a teenager in police custody. Eighteen-year-old Adnan Masih died at Sharaqpur Sharif city police station in the district of Sheikhupura, after being held for six days. Adnan, a fridge and air-conditioning mechanic who worked in nearby Lahore, was arrested over the alleged kidnap of a young Muslim woman. His family allege that Adnan was brutally tortured over six days and then killed. CLAAS (Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement) was summoned by villagers to help them to register a case with police against Adnan’s alleged attackers. They allege that Adnan was targeted because of his faith. Three police officers have since been arrested. Ask God to comfort Adnan’s family and give them the strength they need to pursue justice for him. Pray God’s protection over CLAAS as it seeks to obtain justice for Adnan.
Boko Haram: In June, suspected Boko Haram extremists launched a two-day attack on villages in northern Nigeria’s Borno state, killing at least two people and setting alight many churches. Churches were attacked in Gharaza, Tatsa, Kunde, Arboko, Chinene and other villages during the two days. Further violence then claimed the life of a Muslim man. The military has received criticism for failing to respond to local villagers’ appeals for protection. The attacks come amid an intensification of government efforts to counter the insurgency in the northeast of the country: a state of emergency was declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in May. Pray that Nigerians of all faiths will unite against this extremist threat.
Falsely accused: Despite living under a constitution guaranteeing religious freedom, Christians in parts of India are often being falsely accused and jailed for allegedly forcing Hindus to convert. In February 2013 two Christians in Madhya Pradesh were beaten up and then taken to a police station where they were assaulted and accused of forced conversion. In the same month activists in Utter Pradesh threatened to kill a pastor unless he stopped holding services. Seven states have passed laws that impose fines or imprisonment on anyone using force, inducement or ‘any fraudulent means’ to convert another - these loosely worded terms are open to abuse. Pray for protection and courage for Christians - especially pastors and evangelists.
Violent attacks: Christians in Nigeria continue to face violent attacks from Islamist militants who are trying to drive them out and impose strict Islamic law or Sharia. A key target is the Plateau State capital of Jos, the dividing line between the mainly Muslim north and largely Christian south. The death toll has long exceeded 1,000. During the summer there were suicide bomb attacks on churches in a number of states and in October upwards of 40 students were massacred at a college hostel in a predominantly Christian neighbourhood in Adamawa state. Pray that Christians would not retaliate but find God-given ways to protect themselves. Pray that the government would act decisively to tackle extremism and for an end to the violence. Ask God to comfort and heal the wounded and bereaved.
Pastor and wife brutally beaten: A senior pastor and his wife were ambushed and brutally beaten by a large mob in one of several recent attacks on believers in Deniyaya, which has a Christian minority of about 500 people. The attackers, said to include five Buddhist monks and a local official, beat and threatened to kill the couple unless they ceased their ministry in the Deniyaya area. Eventually, the pastor and his wife managed to escape and summon police protection. Despite their injuries, they decided not to go to hospital for fear of further attack. Pray for God's peace to fill Christians in Sri Lanka, a mainly Buddhist nation where many consider Christianity to be a Western import. Pray specifically for Christians targeted in recent attacks in the south of the country. Pray that their ministries will grow and that their witness will draw many to Christ.
Church closures: In Azerbaijan, authorities have taken legal action to try to close down a church under a controversial law. Observers say the move to ban Greater Grace Church, in the capital Baku, could set a precedent for further church closures. In the past the authorities have acted in secret to close down churches. Now observers fear they could act openly, with the backing of the law. Please pray that the Azerbaijan authorities will relent from their unconstitutional action that could close Greater Grace Church and lead to the closure of others. Pray for godly wisdom and courage for the judge, and for church leaders and members.
Fearing for their lives: Pakistani converts to Christianity are often rejected by their families, friends and work colleagues as ‘apostates’ or even forced to go into hiding in fear of their lives. One young woman, who married a Christian and converted from Islam despite threats from her family, was attacked by an intruder in her home. She believes that the man, who poured kerosene on her stomach, had been sent by her family. Another convert, who was tied up and beaten by members of his own family, says his family will kill him if they find out where he is living. Please pray for safety, peace, wisdom and strength for these Christians.
Soul hunting: Armenia is still officially 94% Christian but a proposed new Religion Law and amendments to other existing legislation are of great concern. The proposed crime of 'improper proselytism' or 'soul hunting' would carry a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment. Furthermore, groups with more than 25 adult members that refuse to register would face fines of up to 600 times the minimum monthly wage. The proposed laws come against a backdrop of reports of increasing religious intolerance and mounting pressure on non-Orthodox Armenian Christians – from officials, media and the dominant Armenian Apostolic Church. Pray for unity among the church in Armenia. Pray that Christians of all denominations will recognise their nation's rich Christian heritage and work together to build God's kingdom. Pray that the draft laws will be amended in order to uphold religious freedom rather than promote religious intolerance.
In search of a better life: Thousands of North Koreans have settled in South Korea in the past few years. As well as religious and political persecution, food shortages have caused many to leave their homeland in search of a better life. However, after arriving in South Korea, many of these people struggle to adjust. Differences in culture and difficulty in finding work are common issues. Furthermore, most suffer from loneliness, having left family and friends behind, and many have been traumatised by their experiences in North Korea. Pray for these vulnerable and hurting people to find comfort in Jesus.
The church in Bhutan: Pray for the church in Bhutan. Christians comprise less than 1% of the population in this mainly Buddhist nation and the government discourages churches from worshipping openly. Pray particularly for Christians in the south of the country, who are mostly ethnic Nepalese and who have suffered harassment and discrimination from the government, local officials and others. Finally, pray that the proposal for anti-conversion laws being considered by the National Assembly will come to nothing. Christians fear that, if made law, the loosely worded Bill would restrict church activities as similar laws have been abused in India.
Courage in adversity: Churches in Uzbekistan are often shut down and church leaders can be jailed for conducting worship services. Nevertheless, stories have emerged of pastors continuing with their ministry following their release from prison and of churches growing despite harassment by police. Give thanks for the courage of these church leaders and pray that the church in Uzbekistan would grow in number and in faith
Influence of Islam: From 1965, Indonesia came under the authoritarian rule of General Suharto who held power for 32 years. It was only in 2004 that the country held its first direct presidential elections. The army, which Suharto involved in every level of government, still wields enormous power and influence. There is no official state religion but Islam seems to be gaining strength politically, often at the expense of religious minorities such as Christians. The province of Aceh, for example, has imposed Sharia law and groups such as Laskar Jihad have carried out holy war against Christian communities.
A struggle to rebuild: A former Soviet republic, Tajikistan plunged into civil war almost as soon as it became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991. A rugged, mountainous country, with lush valleys to the South and North, it now faces the challenge of strengthening peace and reviving its ruined economy. Tajikistan continues to have problems with security, as well as with feeding its people. Religious freedom is protected under the constitution, however, in practice, the fear of militant Islamic groups provides the Government with an excuse to monitor religious practice closely. Little Christian literature is available and while evangelism is not illegal, the authorities work to prevent any activity that might cause religious tension.
