The Persecution & Prayer Alert The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada http://www.persecution.net Wednesday, September 17, 2003

A summary of news concerning the Persecuted Church and how you can respond. *********************************** Contents: 1. Sentenced to Death for Hospital Attack (Yemen) 2. Thirteen Convictions in Burning Death of Missionary (India) 3. Church Destroyed, Three Women Arrested (China) 4. Young People Arrested; Ordered to Renounce Their Faith (Eritrea) 5. Villagers Beaten For Building a Church (India) 6. Question of the Week *********************************** 1. Sentenced to Death for Hospital Attack (Yemen)

A militant Muslim, Ali al-Jarallah, was sentenced to death on September 14 for the assassination of a politician and for coordinating an attack on a Southern Baptist hospital in Jibla, Yemen last December that left three people dead and wounding a fourth. Abed Abdul Razak Kamel, who was also sentenced to death in July for these killings, said that the attack on the hospital was, in part, because he believed they were proselytizing Muslims; something that has been denied by the hospital workers.

Pray for al-Jarallah, that he might see the truth of the Gospel of Christ which he has opposed and come to faith in Jesus. *********************************** 2. Thirteen Convictions in Burning Death of Missionary (India)

There are fears of violence and repercussions against Christians in India after the conviction of thirteen militant Hindus on September 15, including a popular Hindu activist. The men were convicted of the deaths of Graham Stewart Staines and his sons Philip, 10, and Timothy, 8, in January 1999 when a mob burned their vehicle while they slept outside a church in Manoharpur, in eastern India’s Orissa state. Sentences will be handed down on September 22 and may include the death penalty. The man accused of leading the mob, Dara Singh, was considered a hero by many and was hidden by supporters for over a year after the attack before he was finally arrested. After the verdict was announced, Staines’ widow and brother both expressed their forgiveness of the men.

Join with the Indian church in praying for those convicted, that they might yield to the conviction of God’s Spirit and seek His forgiveness. Pray that violence will not erupt in response to the verdict. Pray for Gladys Staines, who continued her ministry to the lepers of Orissa after the death of her husband and sons. *********************************** 3. Church Destroyed, Three Women Arrested (China)

A church building in Wenzhou, China was destroyed by police early on September 10. According to a reports received by VOM a large group of officials from the Public Security Bureau, the local Agrarian Bureau, town officials, reporters and others arrived. Using cutting torches and hammers, workers cut the iron supports and the walls were pounded until most of the building collapsed. When one Christian tried to intervene, he was dragged from the building. Three women were arrested and sentenced to 5-7 days’ detention for opposing the destruction. There are concerns that they may be physically abused while in jail by inmates and police. VOM sources have learned the names of two of the women being detained: Mi Xiang and Ai Hong.

The government officials said that the building was destroyed because it was built without permission and was being used for illegal gatherings. The church acknowledges that they did not have permission to build the meeting hall, but many other buildings in the area were also built without permission and have been left standing.

Pray for the safety of these three women while they are in detention. Pray for the continued ministry of the church in China, as it faces increasing pressure from government officials. Pray for strength for the many suffering in prison for their faith. *********************************** 4. Young People Arrested; Ordered to Renounce Their Faith (Eritrea)

Twelve more evangelicals were arrested in Eritrea on September 7 while worshipping in a private home. Other than the owner of the home, those arrested were described as young people and were all members of the Dubre Bethel Church in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea. According to the report received today from Compass Direct, the six men and six women were ordered to renounce their faith in order to be released. When they refused, all food rations withheld until they sign the agreement. When parents of the young people tried to visit, they were told they could only see their children if they tried to convince them to deny their faith. Those who agreed have been promised a meeting today.

These twelve join over 200 other evangelical Christians currently in prison for their faith in Eritrea. On August 19-20, sixty-two high school students were arrested for having Bibles (see http://www.persecution.net/pnparchive/arch3.htm). Five agreed to renounce their faith and were released. To date local evangelical church leaders have received no information on the other fifty-seven.

Join in fervent prayer for these young people, as they stand firm in their faith. Pray that all those in prison will know the continual presence of Christ with them. Pray for many others who face the threat of prison and torture for their faith. *********************************** 5. Villagers Beaten For Building a Church (India)

In the village of Sudsudia in the Maurbhanj district of Orissa, India, Baidhar Bindhani was building a church on land he owned, with the help of other Christians. Tensions flared because local Hindus felt it was too close to a temple, which was 200 metres away. According to a report from Indo-Asian News Service, a mob of five hundred people attacked the villagers, beating them, forcing them to beg forgiveness and bow their heads before Hindu deities. Police have been patrolling the village to help prevent further violence.

Pray for Bindhani and other Christians in Sudsudia. Pray for a heart of compassion and love for those around them who are without Christ, in spite of the persecution they have faced. Pray for a peaceful resolution to this issue. *********************************** 6. Question of the Week

Yesterday the Canadian Parliament narrowly defeated a resolution affirming the traditional view of marriage as the union of one man and one woman (for a list of how each member voted, go to http://www.persecution.net/vote_results.htm). This resolution was in response to proposed legislation to legalize homosexual marriages to be voted on next year. Today the House of Commons is set to vote on Bill C-250 which will add sexual orientation to the hate crimes bill and could potentially affect the ability of churches to speak out about the Bible’s teaching on homosexuality.

Our question of the week for Canadian readers is: “Will the way your Member of Parliament votes on these issues determine if you will vote for him/her in the next election?”

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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