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Subject: Persecution Report for August 26, 2003.

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2003 09:39:43 -0700

From: "Bruce Atchison" <ve6xtc@telusplanet.net>

To: <thilts@help-for-you.com>

PERSECUTION REPORT FOR AUGUST 26, 2003.

The Voice Of The Martyrs has the following persecution incidents to report.

Egypt:

Police attempt to destroy monastery walls

One of the world's oldest monasteries was surrounded by over 300 police officers on August 19 with orders to destroy the perimeter walls, which were erected over four years ago. The police were acting on an order from the governor, who said that the fence was erected illegally, despite permits issued by the previous governor.

The monastery was founded in the fourth century by St. Anthony, who is known as the father of monasticism. It is located in a mountainous area along the cost of the Red Sea. The wall was originally erected because of threats by militant Islamic groups against the monastery. The government of the time agreed with the monks and authorized the construction to protect the historical site. After building the wall, the monks attempted to purchase the land but were told there was no need, since it was considered a national historical site and the government itself would protect the fence and the monastery.

The governor's order to destroy the wall was first issued on August 5. The U.S. Copts Association then began to mediate and was eventually told that the demolition order was no longer valid. This appeared to be the end of the issue until the police arrived on August 19 with heavy trucks and eighteen bulldozers. One monk was injured and three were arrested while attempting to block the destruction.

It was only when Egyptian President Mubarak intervened later in the day that the troops were withdrawn. Demolition plans have been suspended pending a meeting later this week between the monastery's Bishop Yustus and government representatives.

Christians in Egypt have consistently faced opposition from government agencies, as well as militant Islamic groups in the country.

Sri Lanka:

Assembly of God Church attacked

For the past three months, the Assembly of God Church in Kesbewa, Sri Lanka, has been subjected to threats and attacks, including broken windows and bottles of burning oil thrown into the church building. In response, the church has made sure that someone is at their building at all times to guard it. VOM learned today from the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka that, on the night of August 14, Pastor Kumara and two other church members were keeping watch when two motorcycles stopped and four men in black dismounted. Pastor Kumara heard one of them say, "paththu karannna" (light it) and, fearing that the church building was about to be set on fire, shouted and ran toward the men along with one of the church members, Narada. As the men ran away, one of them threw a home-made bomb, which exploded, badly injuring Narada. The pastor escaped with only minor wounds.

A police investigation has begun and an inquiry is scheduled for August 22. According to the pastor, the main suspect in orchestrating this and the other attacks is the Kamburupitiya Chief Buddhist Monk, who wields considerable power in the community. In September 2002, the monk visited the church and threatened the pastor and members with death. The police have summoned him several times in connection with previous incidents at the church, but he has refused to speak with them. It is reported that he has been ordered to appear at the inquiry on August 22.

Please go to http://www.persecution.net for further information about persecuted Christians and how to help them.

Mission Network News reports these persecution incidents.

India:

Anti-conversion bill proposed

A recent court ruling undermines the strength of the country's constitutional provision for freedom of religion. Similar bills in India created tensions between Christians and radical Hindus, leading up to an increase in persecution. However, BCM International's Afro-Asian Director, Doctor Vararuchi Dalavai (VAR-ra-ROO-chee DAHL-uh-vye) says this won't change much. "Persecution is a common thing in this part of the world, especially in Asia. So, we don't definitely highlight it unless it's [the reports are] asked for, because we are born in persecution, we are ministering in persecution, and the day will come we will go as martyrs in the persecution. So, we don't highlight it." BCM's President, Doctor Bob Evans says their recent missionary conference served to encourage the evangelists. "It's a combination of training--training our pastors in how to do more effective ministry, but also talking about the real mission of the church in this century."

India:

Hindu radicals continue campaign of hate.

Anti-Christian sentiment rises with the growing Hindu nationalist movement in northern India.Gospel For Asia's KP Yohanon describes the obstacles believers face in areas like Himachal Pradesh State." Just the other day, what we have is our leader there reporting that one of our students in our Bible school, went for outreach, and he was beaten up and abused without any mercy, and they destroyed his tracts, his booklets, and threatened to kill him if he ever came back to that place again. This is something that continues to increase and all we can do is to pray and continue to encourage our brothers which we do. We send them out saying that 'you know, what Jesus promised is persecution and opposition. Be courageous and be willing to lay down their life for the Lord." GFA has established 36 Churches and 80 mission stations in Himachal Pradesh.

Pakistan:

Two Christians get life

The High Court in Pakistan has upheld the life sentences of two Christians. According to the Barnabas Fund, 45 year old Amid Masih and 40 year old Asif Masih, who aren't related, are imprisoned for allegedly burning the Koran. The men had been prosecuted under Pakistan's infamous 'Blasphemy Law' for supposedly desecrating the Islamic book. The men claimed they were framed as many Islamic radicals are unhappy about the number of Muslims turning to Christ in the region.

Please check http://www.mnnonline.org for missions news and a weekday audio newscast.

Christian Aid Mission has the following persecution incidents to report.

Benin:

Missionaries train in witchcraft capital

Gospel workers training missionaries in Benin, West Africa, told Christian Aid recently that they have experienced growing persecution from witch doctors and magicians.

Benin is the original birthplace of voodoo. It is a hotbed of diabolical activity and remains the centre of voodoo for the whole world.

According to missionaries' reports, politicians from Benin and neighbouring West African countries travel to this area seeking the witch doctors' power to lead their nations. People from every walk of life come not only from other parts of Africa, but from all over the world--including Europe and US--to buy satanic power in Benin.

The ministry reporting this operates six schools of missions throughout the country. Its gospel workers suffer continuously from spiritual attacks. The ministry leader told Christian Aid, "Our missionaries and their children are always targets. The enemy seeks to destroy us because of the strategic evangelization programs that are bringing people out of darkness to Christ."

Witch doctors often attack missionaries and children through sickness, trying to kill them. The attacks are continual, the warfare is intense, and the obstacles are relentless. But they give missionaries the opportunity to demonstrate the power of Jesus over the power of the devil. This is something the people must see because it shows them they can overcome the witchcraft that controls their lives. Indeed, there is nothing else.

Students at the schools of missions are persecuted not only by spiritual attacks but also by the rejection and mistreatment they experience from people around them.

Despite these difficulties, the schools continue to send workers for the Lord into places of darkness. This ministry has trained more than 100 students who have gone as missionaries to 16 different ethnic groups. Right now 50 more are waiting for the minimal support it takes to be sent initially: provision for food and house rent for two months, transportation, and schooling for children--$300 sends one family.

These students are well-equipped to share the gospel. They are taught first how to read and write, if needed. The second phase of their training is a classroom curriculum of discipleship and missions. Their final phase is a field practical, during which they apply what they have learned.

More than 400 have applied for all six schools, all of which are in very inadequate rented facilities. Help is desperately needed to train and send these leaders who desire to do missionary work.

As this army of Christ increases in Benin, so does the opposition from satanic forces and those who use them.

Vietnam:

Widows and Pastors suffer hardship

Vietnam's persecution of evangelical Christians has left many widows without support, scores of pastors imprisoned for their faith, and more in great hardship.

Christian Aid has received the names of 36 widows who are in dire straits. About 20 of these are from the Koho people group; about a dozen are ethnic Vietnamese, and the rest are from other minority tribes, such as the Ede and Jera.

Though their names are kept confidential for security reasons, the situations of several illustrate the plight of all.

Mrs. N's husband was shot to death in 1979 because the government said "he worked for an anti-government organization of tribal people." He left behind a congregation of 400 believers. The widow used to serve as a deacon, but now is old with several kinds of sicknesses. She has a hard time walking and doing the visitations. Her children are very poor.

The Montagnards, or tribal people, are accused of being traitors to the government because they align with Christianity, a "foreign" religion, which authorities identify with their old enemy, the United States.

Mrs. T and her husband began serving the Lord in 1962. In 1978 he was shot to death while working in his field. Ever since, Mrs. T, now 70, has lived in a poor thatch cottage and she does not have money to repair it. Still, she works with the deacons and ministers to the women.

Some women are widows simply because of old age and sickness and lack funds for medical treatment.

Mrs. K's husband passed away in 1992 after serving the Lord 40 years and building up the local church to 1100 believers. When authorities closed the church building, Mrs. K let believers use her house to meet in for worship. Now she suffers from high blood pressure, backache and dizziness.

Mrs. P was born in 1937 and she and her husband began serving the Lord in 1969. He passed away in 1976. Mrs. P now tries to make a living as a farmer, so her income is very low. "Her life is short of everything," says a Vietnamese spokesperson, "and she just keeps praying to God for His mercy and help." She still ministers to the women's group in the church.

Mrs. V's husband passed away in 1976 from cancer, leaving her with seven small children in a very small thatch house. She goes into the jungles to find pieces of wood and exchanges them for rice. Last year one of her children died from sickness. She continues to serve with the deacons and cares for the church and the women's group.

These and many more true widows live in great hardship and poverty. In addition, certain elderly pastors also suffer from sickness and poverty. Church leaders request prayer on behalf of these veterans of the cross.

Persons who wish to contribute to the Vietnamese widows and pastors' fund may write insider@christianaid.org for more information and put MI-433 740-VHM on the subject line, or contribute on line at www.christianaid.org and designate their gift for 740-VHM.

India:

Meiti Christians overcome persecution

One Metei man was beaten and another poisoned by his own parents after they accepted Christ, according to reports received by Christian Aid.

The Metei are a poor and marginalized people who dwell mainly in Manipur state of northeastern India and are traditionally Hindu. So those who turn from the religion of their ancestors often face rejection and outright danger.

A man was recently attacked in his own room by unknown people and then left for dead. Friends found him unconscious the next morning, in a pool of his own blood. Miraculously, he survived after being taken to the hospital.

Another man who became a believer two years ago was poisoned by his own parents. Now he is praising God that his family is seriously thinking about becoming Christians.

Despite opposition many Meteis have made the decision to follow Jesus. One native Meitei was leading a life of sin and emptiness, crying out to deaf Hindu gods. He turned to Jesus Christ and was completely healed of alcoholism. Now, he serves God faithfully among his native people. Though he faces resistance, he remains persistent. So far he has won 30 Meteis to the Lord. The believers meet in homes and pray for resources to build a church hall.

The Meitei Christians request prayer that they remain strong in the Lord in the face of persecution and reach their brothers and sisters with the gospel. For more information, write insider@christianaid.org and put MI-433 690-FMS on the subject line.

Please see the http://www.christianaid.org web site where many inspiring missions stories are.

ASSIST News reports these religious rights violations.

Laos:

Twelve Christians pressured to abandon their faith while in prison

A group of 12 Christians in Laos are under extreme pressure to abandon their faith while being held in prison, according to a report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

The 12 were in a group of 21 Christians from the Bru minority tribe living in Muang Nong in Savannakhet Province in the south of Laos who were arrested and imprisoned in May 2003 for refusing to renounce their faith. Nine of them have now been released, but the 12 leaders remain in detention.

The authorities have used a number of means to pressure these Christians to abandon their faith and cover up the religious grounds for their punishment.

Firstly they pressured the believers to confess to charges that they did not have proper permission from thelocal authorities to move their families to another village and to not mention that they were charged on religious grounds.

It is then reported that the authorities tried to get the believers to hold guns in their hands so that they could frame arms charges against them to cover up the real nature of the persecution. As the leaders refused to comply, they were not released.

Thirdly, the Muang Nong district police chief and district administrative head told the Christians they would be released if they signed affidavits stating they would no longer follow Christ or worship Him. However, the 12 rejected the proposal and therefore remain in prison.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is calling on supporters to write to their MPs and/or MEPs, or Members of Congress to get them to put pressure on the Laotian authorities to stop persecuting Christians for their faith.

CSW has welcomed recent releases of Christians from prison, but is concerned that improvements in religious freedom have not been implemented uniformly across the country.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of CSW, said: "We are very disturbed about the appalling pressure that these believers and their families are being put under to renounce their faith. While we welcome the positive steps Laos has made in improving religious freedom, we are deeply concerned by the ongoing occurrence of such serious abuses. We urge the local and national authorities to ensure full freedom for all believers in all areas."

For more information, please contact Richard Chilvers, Communications Manager, CSW on 020 8329 0045 or 020 8949 0587 or e-mail richard.chilvers@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

India:

Gospel For Asia church under attack

A Gospel for Asia church of 51 believers in Jharkhand, India, is under attack as anti-Christian leaders meet to decide its fate.

Many in the village have expressed their desire to beat GFA missionary Babuser and the new believers, steal their land and other belongings, and ultimately drive them out of the village.

"As the village meeting continues, they are pressuring leaders to inflict maximum harm on these believers. Village leaders have already made at least one decision: The Christians must pay a fee to even meet together for church. GFA missionaries from other villages have travelled there to encourage their brothers and sisters in Christ," said GFA's John Schwartz."

"This persecution follows a mighty move of God. By God's grace, three influential families in the village very recently received Christ! Even as the lives of the Christians in this village are in danger, they ask us to pray they will stand strong in the faith and see the ministry grow. They also request prayer that those opposing the Gospel will be touched by the love of Christ," Schwartz said.

Lebanon:

Canadian Christian leader, Bruce Balfour, to be sentenced by Lebanese military tribunal on August 27

Bruce Balfour, 52, the Canadian Christian Field Director of Cedars of Lebanon, an interfaith humanitarian project that was planning to help replenish the mighty Cedars of Lebanon in the mountains of northern Lebanon, is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 for what he calls "trumped up" charges of spying for Israel. The sentencing will come at the end of his trial in front of a military tribunal in Beirut.

Concerning his false arrest and trial, a human rights advocate and supporter of Balfour said, "What has happened is a blatant violation of Bruce's human rights. We are praying for a miracle for Bruce."

Bruce Balfour's ordeal began on July 10th when he was arrested at Beirut International Airport after stepping off a British Airways flight from London. However, his plight did not become known until eleven days later after Balfour finally managed to get a message out of his cell to the Canadian Ambassador in Lebanon.

In the message, monitored by ANS, he wrote, "After 11 days of hell in Lebanese prisons, I am finally allowed to make contact with you. I have tried more than 100 times to make contact but nothing worked."

Balfour went on to say, "When I arrived at the Beirut Airport on Thursday, July 10th, at about 9:30 PM on British Airways flight 6703, I was arrested because a computer entry said that I have been in Israel at one time, which is true. But please tell me where the crime in this is. My freedom has been taken away and I have been treated horribly. This is against all international law and moral code of every civilized country in the world.

"I need to get out of here now. Every hour multiples the possibility of me being moved to another location and disappearing forever."

In a second message, Balfour said that he was in Roumieh Prison, north of Lebanon's capital, Beirut. I am on the top floor with prisoners from South Lebanon," he said, "and many of the guards and prisoners here believe these false charges against me are true and they are treating me accordingly." He also asked for help from people around the world. "I desperately need your help," he said. "I pray that you will not forsake me!" On Monday, August 11, Balfour appeared briefly before Beirut's military tribunal for the first time at 1:15 PM with a few Lebanese supporters.

By his own account, Balfour has been detained in deplorable, inhumane conditions in Roumeih Prison, awaiting formal charges, a trial and sentencing since his false arrest on July 10th and he has been briefly jailed in Beirut, Lebanon as well.

Charges against Balfour were read in Arabic during his short August 11th appearance before a military tribunal and a judge as two press reporters looked on. No English translation was permitted as a courtesy for English-speaking Balfour while the court was in session and according to sources, no one with Balfour spoke to the reporters present.

The following is an excerpt of an eye-witness account of Balfour's court appearance on August 11th by a friend: "I requested to meet with Bruce to translate the proceedings for him. After fifteen minutes Bruce was brought into the commandant's office in handcuffs. These were removed and we were both invited to sit down. After explaining to Bruce what transpired in court we visited with him for approximately 30 minutes.

"Bruce was distressed at the worsening treatment he has been receiving at Roumieh Prison. He mentioned in particular the events of Friday, August 8 where he was taken out of his wing and brought to what he described as a 'hell-hole.' One hundred and seven men shared a room one-tenth the size of the room Bruce has been held in for the past four-plus weeks. The insufferable smell along with the heat and humidity was aggravated by the lack of ventilation. There was no place to sleep so Bruce stayed up all night.

"He said that without some intervention on Saturday, August 9, a day in which the Canadian Consul made two separate trips to the prison, he would still be there. More than once he voiced his appreciation for all that the representative of the Canadian Consulate in Lebanon has done on his behalf.

"Finally, Bruce voiced fears for his life. Some prison officials (whom Bruce named) and prisoners alike are persecuting him because they believe the charges against him are true. He is concerned that this persecution may escalate to an act of violence against him.

"We parted with prayer and then Bruce was handcuffed behind his back and returned to a 3 x 3 meter holding cell shared with six other men. He will remain there till 10:00 p.m. when he will finally be driven back to Roumieh Prison."

ANS has learned that several human rights advocates, in addition to Canadian Consulate officials, are endeavouring to assist in freeing Balfour and getting the false charges of spying for Israel dropped. They are of the opinion that Balfour's false arrest relates to unresolved issues concerning other human rights violations in the region and Canada's refusal to diplomatically recognize the Hezbollah.

However, unless a "miracle" occurs, he will be sentenced on Wednesday, August 27th.

A spokesman for Balfour said, "Despite ongoing humanitarian efforts on Balfour's behalf, he critically needs immediate financial assistance with $5,000 U.S. to $10,000 U.S. in fees for his legal defense." Contributions critically needed for his legal defense are being handled by the Canadian Consul.

For updates on Bruce Balfour's case, go to www.cedarsoflebanon.ca.

Please go to http://www.assistnews.net for many news stories from a Christian perspective.

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email: ve6xtc@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca