The Persecution & Prayer Alert The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada http://www.persecution.net Wednesday, April 16, 2003

A summary of news concerning the Persecuted Church and how you can respond.

*********************************** Contents: 1. Mixed News for Widow (Jordan) 2. Family Attacked and Threatened with Death (Pakistan) 3. Children Interrogated by Secret Police (Turkmenistan) 4. Iban-Language Bible Banned (Malaysia) 5. Islamic Cleric on Trial (Indonesia) 6. Question of the Week

*********************************** 1. Mixed News for Widow (Jordan)

For several months The Voice of the Martyrs has been following the story of a Jordanian widow, Siham Qandah. On April 10 a report was received from Middle East Concern with two developments for which we urge you to pray.

Qandah has been informed that the local court has begun proceedings to enforce the ruling that she be imprisoned unless she gives up custody of her two children, Rawan (15) and Fadi (13). However, she has also been offered assistance by the office of a Prince in challenging the custody due to his apparent fraudulent use of the benefits received. Her brother, Abdullah al-Muhtadi, has allegedly been using the family’s benefits for purposes other than the care of her children.

In 1994, Qandah’s husband died. When she tried to claim her widow’s pension, she was informed that he had converted to Islam in 1991. As a result, the children were to be considered Muslims and pension benefits could only be paid to a Muslim guardian. In order to receive and administer the benefits, Qandah asked her brother to become the children’s legal guardian. He agreed and for three years functioned in this role, although he only occasionally gave the money to the family. In 1998, al-Muhtadi began legal proceedings to take the children from his sister’s custody. Two separate courts have since ruled in his favour, including the Supreme Court in 2002.

There are no further avenues available for Qandah in the courts. Pray that this intervention by the Prince will be successful in allowing her to keep her children. Pray for a delay in the court proceedings.

*********************************** 2. Family Attacked and Threatened with Death (Pakistan)

A family in Pakistan faces an imminent death threat if they do not renounce their faith in Christ by Friday, April 18. According to an April 14 report from Christian Aid, between 150-200 Muslims attacked the home of Sadeeq, a recent convert from Islam, beating him, abusing his daughters, and giving him an ultimatum to renounce his faith by Friday or be killed.

Christian leaders are attempting to relocate the family before Friday. Pray for safety for the family and that a new location will be found to live. Pray that Sadeeq will be able to find a job and continue to be an effective witness for Christ.

*********************************** 3. Children Interrogated by Secret Police (Turkmenistan)

On March 26, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported that officers of the National Security Committee (NSC) raided an unregistered Baptist church in Balkanabad in western Turkmenistan on March 16, even though Turkmenistan does not specifically forbid unregistered religious meetings. We have since received a report from Forum 18 News Service that children from this church have been taken from their school classes and interrogated about “internal church life and their Christian education in their families.” According to a statement from the church, officers have banned the children from attending church services and threatened some of the older children with prison.

Pray for these children, that they will stand firm for Christ in the face of opposition and threats.

*********************************** 4. Iban-Language Bible Banned (Malaysia)

Iban-speaking Christians in the state of Sarawak in north-west Borneo are asking the government to clarify why the Malaysian Home Ministry has put the Iban-language Bible, “Bup Kudus” on a list of 35 books banned for being detrimental to public peace. According to the official news agency of Malaysia, BERNAMA, the Association of Churches in Sarawak has asked for an explanation, saying, “To find Bup Kudus banned now has caused confusion, fear, anxiety and alarm among the Christian community in Sarawak.”

Bup Kudus was first published in 1988 and is the only complete Bible in the Iban language. While more educated church members may understand English, rural churches in particular depend on the Scriptures in their native language.

Pray that there will be a positive response from the government and that the Word of God will be available to the Iban-speaking people.

*********************************** 5. Islamic Cleric on Trial (Indonesia)

On April 14, Abu Bakar Bashir, a Muslim cleric accused of leading the Jama’ah Islamiyah (JI) terror network, was charged with treason. He is alleged to have helped plan a series of bombings on Christmas Eve 2000 which left 19 dead. He is also accused of involvement in a foiled attempt to bomb foreign embassies in Singapore. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or the death sentence.

His lawyers are attempting to have him released until his trial because of his age and health, but it is expected that Indonesia’s president will insist that he remain in prison. There are fears that, if released, he would disappear and be unavailable for trial.

The fact that Bashir is being charged at all is seen by many as a positive move, since the Indonesian government has been reluctant to put accused Muslim terrorists on trial for fear of antagonizing Indonesia’s predominantly Muslim population.

This trial comes at the same time that Rev. Rinaldy Damanik is facing weapons charges and remains in custody despite being very weak. Recent reports indicate that the prosecution has yet to produce any real evidence or credible witness. Christians in Indonesia contend that Damanik was framed by the police.

Pray that Bashir will remain in jail until the trial and that he will be convicted of the crimes he has committed. Pray for justice for Rev. Damanik and that there will be a move toward more equitable justice in Indonesia.

*********************************** 6. Question of the Week

Often we ask that you pray that justice be done in bringing to trial those who instigate persecution against Christians. However, should Christians pray for justice to be done, even if that justice would mean that the persecutors face execution in their respective nations? Should Christians pray for their arrest if the interrogation would mean torture? In other words, how should Christians pray for justice?

To participate in our poll and discussion, go to http://www.persecution.net and click on “Discussion Forum.” If you have not registered on our forum in the past, click on “Register” and select a username and password.

*********************************** The Persecution & Prayer Alert is a ministry of The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada. (Mailing address: P.O. Box 117, Port Credit, Mississauga, Ontario L5G 4L5) Tel. (905) 670.9721. Fax: (905) 670.7642 Website: http://www.persecution.net

*********************************** Contact Person: Glenn Penner, Communications Director.

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