The Persecution & Prayer Alert The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada http://www.persecution.net Wednesday, July 23, 2003

A summary of news concerning the Persecuted Church and how you can respond. *********************************** Contents: 1. VOM Launches Two New Shortwave Programs (Egypt, Eritrea) 2. Troubles for Christians Increasing (Indonesia) 3. Updates (China, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Sudan) 4. Question of the Week *********************************** 1. VOM Launches Two New Shortwave Programs (Egypt, Eritrea)

In recent weeks, The Voice of the Martyrs and High Adventure Gospel Communication Ministries have launched two new shortwave radio programs into Egypt and Eritrea. The Road to Emmaeus, an Arabic program, is being broadcast into Egypt every Friday at 0845 UTC (10:45 a.m. local Cairo time) on shortwave frequency 17.595 on the 16-meter band. The Voice of Light program airs on Tuesday evenings at 1700 UTC (8:00 p.m. local Eritrea time) on shortwave frequency 13.810 on the 22-meter band in Tigringa. Both programs are produced in Canada by local pastors. Glenn Penner, Communications Director for The Voice of the Martyrs, said, “We are so pleased to have a significant role in these programs. Both programs are meeting a vital need in their respective countries. The Road to Emmaeus presents the gospel in a way accessible and understandable to Egyptian Muslims, while The Voice of Light is more directed to encouraging Eritrean evangelicals who are being persecuted for their faith, as half of the program consists of dramatic readings of our best-selling book ‘Jesus Freaks.'”

Samples of both of these programs can be heard online through links at http://www.persecution.net/links.htm. Pray for the effectiveness of both of these programs. Pray, too, for those who are preparing the programs. *********************************** 2. Troubles for Christians Increasing (Indonesia)

Since Pastor Rinaldy Damanik was sentenced to three years in prison on June 16 (see http://www.persecution.net/pnparchive/arch4.htm#1 for more details), observers have been reporting increasing violence against Christians. According to International Christian Concern (ICC), a Christian was shot to death on July 10 in broad daylight at his plantation. The same day a bomb destroyed a restaurant owned by Christians in another village and two days later a Christian police officer was shot while riding a motorcycle.

The family members of Damanik, as well as his lawyers, have been threatened since the appeal of his conviction was filed. According to Compass Direct, the names of Damanik’s supporters were published in local newspapers with threats that they, too, would be arrested. Damanik has been warned that family members and friends will be kidnapped if his appeal proceeds.

Adding to tensions between Christians and Muslims in Indonesia, a law was passed on June 11 stating that any school with more than ten students of a particular faith must provide a teacher of that same faith to teach their religion and provide a place of worship. While the wording appears to be fair, the impact of the law will be felt most by private Christian schools. Few Christian students attend private Muslim schools, but up to 65% of all students in Christian schools are Muslim because of the excellent quality of education offered. These schools will now be required to build mosques and hire Islamic religious teachers. Many schools have said they will ignore the new law.

Pray that Pastor Damanik’s conviction will be overturned and that family and friends will be kept safe. Pray that tension between Christians and Muslims in Indonesia will not again build to the point of violence, as seen in recent years. *********************************** 3. Updates (China, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Sudan)

This week, a number of updates have been received on stories we have been covering in recent months. Whenever possible, we like to provide updates to help you pray more effectively. Each of these accounts needs your continued prayer.

(a) Pastor Gong Alive but Weak (China)

For several months we have been covering the story of Pastor Gong Shengliang who has been sentenced to life in prison for his faith. In mid-June a report was received from China that Pastor Gong’s health had deteriorated to the point that he was near death (see http://www.persecution.net/pnparchive/arch6.htm#1 for more information). Until this week, no further news was heard. On July 18, The Voice of the Martyrs received a report from a reliable source. We are pleased to report that Pastor Gong is still alive and two of his relatives were able to visit him earlier this month, including one of his sisters. He appeared very fragile and pale. Throughout the visits, he did not speak a single word, either because of his health or because of intimidation from authorities. He only responded with nods of his head. The prison authorities told the relatives that he had been taken to the hospital recently, but would give no further details.

Pastor Gong’s family expresses their appreciation to everyone for their prayers and help on his behalf. Please continue to pray and intercede with the Chinese government on his behalf. More information on writing letters is available in our June 11 story (see the link above).

(b) Hope Continues For Widow To Keep Her Children (Jordan)

After several court rulings, starting in 1998, a widow in Jordan was ordered in January 2003 by the Supreme Court to turn custody of her children over to her estranged brother in order that they may be raised as Muslims. She was given five days to do so or face prison (see http://www.persecution.net/pnparchive/arch7.htm#5 for more details). The Voice of the Martyrs has been following this story for several months and received an update on July 22 from Middle East Concern, outlining new hope that Siham Qandah may be able to keep her children.

Prince Hassan, brother of the late King Hussein, has taken particularly interest in her case and appointed his lawyer to represent her. According to MEC, she has received assurances from the prince that he will not allow her to go to prison.

There have been complications in the appeals filed by Qandah due to family connections between the lawyer appointed by the prince and the Supreme Court judge who allowed her brother to withdraw funds from the estate. To avoid offending the prince or his lawyer, Qandah’s appeal will shift from her brother’s fraudulent use of the estate’s money to an emphasis on his lack of concern for the children.

It is also possible that the children may start their own court case, asserting the fact that they do not want their uncle to be their legal guardian. Under Sharia law, they are now old enough to do so.

Siham is thankful to still have custody of her children, Rawan (15) and Fadi (13), despite the January court order. Continue to pray that she will be able to keep her children and that the brother will be removed as guardian.

(c) Conversion Law Withstands Court Challenge in Gujarat (India)

On March 26, the state of Gujarat passed legislation outlawing religious conversion. Court challenges were filed against the new law by religious minority groups. On June 31, the Gujarat High Court dismissed the two writs, one from the All India Christian Council and the other from a Buddhist organization. Pray that Christians will continue to preach the Gospel throughout India and that many will drawn to faith in Christ.

(d) Blasphemy Trial Begins (Pakistan)

On July 17, court proceedings began against Pervez Masih, a schoolmaster of a Christian school charged under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy law. Pervez has been in prison since April 1, 2001 when the schoolmaster of a neighbouring Muslim school filed blasphemy charges against him, saying that two students had heard Masih blaspheme Mohammed. A fact-finding report in 2001 concluded that the charges were based on “professional biases and rivalry, including religious hatred” and were without any factual basis. According to Compass Direct, Pervez’s family has hired a Muslim lawyer to represent him before the High Court. Pray that the truth will come out in the trial and that Pervez will be cleared of all charges. Pray for his health and safety in prison.

(e) Peace Process Update (Sudan)

Many have been carefully following the peace talks between the government of Sudan and the rebel army because of the significant impact on Christians in southern Sudan. On July 22, the Religious Liberty Conference of the World Evangelical Alliance released an update on the peace process. We have posted the report online. It can be read at http://www.persecution.net/sudanupdate.htm. *********************************** 4. Question of the Week

As mentioned in our first story, The Voice of the Martyrs is involved in producing Christian radio programs in Egypt and Eritrea. We also produce regular radio features in Canada called “The Overcomers” (go to http://www.persecution.net/overcome.htm for more information). Our question this week is: “How often do you listen to Christian radio programs?”

We would appreciate your comments on the effectiveness of Christian radio programs. For those of you outside of North America, we would particularly appreciate your comments on this question.

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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