Country Reports
Persecution and Prayer Alert - October 22 Print E-mail

Christian charity worker murdered in Afghanistan


Gayle Williams
Photo from SERVE Afghanistan

Gayle Williams (34), a dual South African-British citizen, was shot to death by two gunmen on a motorbike in Kabul, Afghanistan at approximately 8:00 a.m. on October 20.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the killing, saying that she "came to Afghanistan to teach Christianity to the people." Williams worked with SERVE (Serving Emergency Relief and Vocational Enterprise), a Christian organization that helps the disabled.

Thank God for organizations like SERVE that demonstrate Christ-like love to their communities. Pray for comfort for those grieving the loss of Gayle. Pray that those in militant groups come to know Christ's love in their lives.

To learn more about the persecution Christians face in Afghanistan, click here. To view a news video on this incident click here.

Pastor killed in Sri Lanka


Pastor Sebamalai Gunesh with his family
Photo from Ravin Caldera

Pastor Sebamalai Gunesh (33) of Elohim Gospel Church in the village of Orugodawatte on the outskirts of Colombo was found dead on October 8, according to the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. The pastor was reported missing on October 6 when he did not return home from a religious meeting held in the town of Kadawatha. Pastor Gunesh's brother was also found dead in a nearby location.

Ask God to comfort Pastor Gunesh's wife, 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter in their grief. Pray that those responsible for the attacks will come to repentance and salvation, just as Paul did. Pray for wisdom and protection for those serving Christ in Sri Lanka at great risk.

For more information on the suffering of Christians in Sri Lanka, go to the Sri Lanka Country Report.

Pastor Zhang and family targeted by authorities in China


Zhang Jian after the beatings
Photos from China Aid

Chinese authorities continue to target underground church leader Pastor Zhang "Bike" Mingxuan and his family, according to reports from China Aid Association. At noon on October 16, while Pastor Zhang was away from home, approximately 15 Public Security Bureau officials barged into his and his wife's legally rented apartment and began throwing their belongings out into the street. His wife, Xie Fenglan, urgently phoned her oldest son, Zhang Jian, for help. Jian arrived to find authorities knocking his mother to the ground. When he tried to shield her from their blows, he was beaten with iron bars. Xie Fenglan phoned for an ambulance, but was informed that a government-issued order forbade dispatching one for relatives of Pastor Zhang. She then phoned her other son, Zhang Chuang, for help. When he arrived, he too was beaten by the officials. A family friend eventually brought Jian to the hospital where he regained consciousness. He suffered a broken nose and may never regain sight in his right eye. Jian left the hospital with Chuang because PSB officials were watching him. However, the brothers continued to be threatened by officials and were warned not to leave Chuang's apartment until a Chinese House Church Alliance celebration, scheduled for October 20 and organized by their father, was over.

It is suspected that Pastor Zhang has been detained by authorities. Police recently used garbage to block the entryway to the church building where  he preaches. Xie Fenglan was evicted from her home and at last report has been residing with another house church leader because authorities ordered hotels to refuse her shelter.

Pray for the Zhang family as they face many trials for their faith in Christ. Pray for an end to the crackdowns on Chinese Christians (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4).

For more information on the plight of Chinese Christians, visit the China Country Report.

Update: More homes burned; closure of relief camps planned in Orissa, India

On the evening of October 19, Hindu militants burned several homes belonging to Christians in Kandhamal district, Orissa -- a region plagued by widespread anti-Christian violence since Maoists killed a Hindu leader in late August (see links on the India Country Report for more information). Despite the government's claim that the state is "returning to normal," reports of militants burning homes, raiding hospitals and stealing animals belonging to Christians continue.

Health conditions remain extremely poor in the overcrowded relief camps, and some who have sought refuge have been sent away with only a plastic tent and a ten-day food supply. Reports that authorities may close the camps have caused further concern for Christians who are unable to return to their homes.

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

This November, Canadians will join with Christians in over 130 countries to stand in prayer with our suffering sisters and brothers for the annual International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). The theme this year is "Pray for the Persecutors," based on Romans 12:9-21. To get your church, Bible study or small group involved in IDOP, go to www.idop.ca, where you can download a free resource kit.

In This Week's VOMC Weblog (www.persecution.net/weblog.htm)


Say You're One of Them
Check out the recent weblogs by the staff of The Voice of the Martyrs:

a) Adele Konyndyk reflects on the power of martyrdom in the context of the anti-Christian violence in Orissa, India in "Costly acts, eternal results."

b) In "Africa through the eyes of a child," Adele Konyndyk describes a book written from a child's perspective that illustrates how beauty can permeate the pain found in war-torn African countries.

c) Read "Egyptian sisters under fire for professing Christianity" to learn more about two Christians who have faced arrests for their faith in Christ.

d) "Farewell to a friend" honours the memory of Harold Ford, the late board chairman of VOMC.

To make comments on these and previous VOMC weblogs, go to persecutedchurch.blogspot.com.
 
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