Country Reports
Persecution and Prayer Alert - October 29 Print E-mail

Convert from Islam murdered by militants in Somalia


Photo from Compass Direct

Mansuur Mohammed (25), a humanitarian aid worker who converted from Islam to Christianity in 2005, was beheaded by Islamists on September 23 in Manyafulka village. According to an October 27 report from Compass Direct, Mohammed and a driver were intercepted by members of the "al Shabab" Islamist militant group. The driver managed to flee the scene but Mohammed was captured. In the afternoon, the militants gathered the villagers by telling them that they were going to prepare a feast for them. Five masked men armed with guns and swords dragged the handcuffed Mohammed in front of the crowd. One militant recited the Quran as he proclaimed Mohammed a "murtid" (an Arabic term for an apostate who leaves Islam) and also claimed that he was a spy for Ethiopian soldiers. The militants, chanting "Allahu Akbar" (God is great), then beheaded Mohammed and cheered while holding up his severed head in front of the horrified crowd. A video of the murder was later circulated in Somalia and in neighbouring countries in what many see as an effort to instill fear in those contemplating converting from Islam to Christianity.

Mohammed's martyrdom is the latest in a wave of such attacks on Christians in Somalia in recent months. According to International Christian Concern, in mid-September, a 22-year-old convert to Christianity, Ahmadey Osman Nur, was shot by Islamist militants at a wedding ceremony in the town of Afgoye.

Pray for comfort for those who mourn the loss of these Christians. Ask God to give strength and comfort to the people in Manyafulka village and the surrounding area. Pray that those responsible for these dark deeds will come to know the light of Christ's love (Romans 12:14, 21).

Go to the Somalia Country Report to discover more about the persecution of Christians in Somalia.

Update: Pakistani girl's account of kidnapping re-opens custody battle for her sister


Aneela with her parents
Photo from Compass Direct

The custody battle for Saba, one of the two sisters that were kidnapped by Muslims in late June (click here), is to be re-opened based on the testimony of her younger sister, according to an October 24 report from Compass Direct. On September 9, the court ordered ten-year-old Aneela to return home but because Saba was older she was allowed to choose whether or not to stay with her Muslim husband. The family's attorneys believe she decided to stay with her captor because she was threatened and told that her family would harm her. However, Aneela recently told her uncle that they were kidnapped, raped, forcibly converted to Islam and told that they or their family members would be killed if they did not cooperate. The attorneys hope Aneela's testimony will lead to Saba's return to her family since it confirms that Saba's marriage and conversion were not voluntary.

The feature article of the November edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter focuses on the testimonies of Pakistani Christians who are standing firm in their faith at any cost. Read their testimonies by subscribing to our free newsletter. A new DVD, Pakistani Voices, is also available for order from our online catalogue.

Update: Zhang family remains under fire in China


Zhang Jian
after the beatings
Photo from China Aid

Pastor Zhang "Bike" Mingxuan and his family continue to face pressure from Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials in China. According to an October 28 report from China Aid Association, Zhang Jian, who was brutally beaten on October 16 (click here), was recently threatened by PSB officials with imprisonment unless he agreed to sign a document stating that his injuries were minor. Fearing separation from his wife and one-year-old son, Jian consented. Pastor Zhang, who hadn't been heard from since the attack, contacted Jian by telephone on October 22. He confirmed that he is being detained but was unable to give the details of his detention. Pastor Zhang's wife, Xie Fenglan, and sister have been placed under "soft detention" in a PSB-operated Beijing hotel. Their cell phones have been confiscated and their travels restricted.

Update: Iranian Christian released


Ramtin Soodmand
Photo from FCNN

Ramtin Soodmand, an Iranian Christian who was arrested on charges of anti-government activity in late August (click here), was released on bail on October 22, according to an October 22 report from Middle East Concern. He has since been reunited with his wife and two children. Concerns for his safety remain, however, as he could still face formal charges.





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In this week's VOMC weblog (www.persecution.net/weblog.htm)

Check out the recent weblogs by the staff of VOMC:

a) In "Sharing Christ's light in Iraq," Erin Vandenberg reflects on how God equips his children for service in the midst of persecution.

b) Glenn Penner honours the late VOMC chairman in "Remembering Harold."

c) "As we face the coming storm" reminds us to put our trust in God but to also be wise with what He has given us as we face economic uncertainty.

d) In "Who is really silent?" Glenn Penner points out that, contrary to common accusations, it is often western Christian leaders who are silent about the persecution of their brothers and sisters, not the media.

e) Watch a video report and amateur video clips about the violence afflicting India's Christians in "Videos on the persecution in Orissa."

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