Persecute church goes underground

 

In America we often hear some version of the following: "Your life will be much better as a Christian. You'll have fewer problems, a happier outlook and be more blessed with the comforts of life you need."

 

What if this wasn't true? In fact, what if being a Christ-follower meant persecution? What if it meant being outcast from friends and family, living in fear of personal harm, or losing the comforts of life? The Bible confirms throughout the New Testament that the life of a Christ-follower will often not be one of happiness, but suffering.

 

It might be tough to hear, but sometimes it is in our suffering that God is really glorified. Think about it--if life is really tough, and we still acknowledge God and our faith grows in the midst of difficult times, then He gets the glory for our actions. After all, it's easy to say, "God is faithful" when things are going great. It's harder to believe when things are not. If you want to know more about honoring God through suffering, read the book of Job.

Imagine living in a place where you were not free to study and discuss the Bible openly. Where faith in Christ and belief in the teachings of the Bible were not only discouraged, but actually dangerous. How committed would you be to God's Word and ways in a place like this, where your beliefs could threaten your home, your family, even your life?

 

For millions of believers around the world, this imaginary place is an everyday reality. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ, their faith is strong and true and they worship the same God that we do. Theirs is a secret church, underground, hidden from the eyes of earthly authorities. But they are growing--often thriving--among those who would kill followers of Jesus Christ if given the opportunity.

pastor (and former Muslim) and his family live in a city populated mostly by practicing Muslims who see Christianity as shameful and offensive. When Rustam came to Christ as a child, he suffered persecution at the hands of children at school, who threw rocks at him, as well as at the fists of family members who attempted to beat him back to Islam. Now in his mid-twenties, he is a fervent messenger of the gospel to the villages surrounding his home. A spirit of fear has crept into the churches and pulpits and this is the intended effect of the authorities’ (and Satan’s) attacks and imprisonments. Some pastors and Christians will wash out of the churches, but those who stay will be more determined and more on fire. If they stay close to Jesus, they will be lights in the darkness and draw many to Christ. Please keep them in prayer.

 

US Military: Double Standard for Islam and Christianity?

 

 Despite the current crackdown on expressions of religion, especially Christian ones, the US military is now encouraging and enforcing greater acceptance of Islamic expressions of faith. Active duty troops of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences were told that they should refrain from eating or drinking in front of Muslims during Ramadan and encouraged to learn more about Islam. Though similar provisions do not exist for other religious periods as Passover or Lent, the restriction stands

 

The Perilous Job of Pastoring in Sri Lanka: Pastor A’s Story

 

 Pastor “A” from Sri Lanka started her ministry in ‘X’ village in 2000 (a 100% Buddhist village). The monks persecuted her for years. In the first year, the monks told all the village property owners not to rent to Pastor A. Despite her struggles, 2 ½ years later, 30 people were attending her church and someone donated land to build a church. In September 2003, a mob of 60 Buddhists monks attacked the house and the church that was under construction. The mob beat Pastor A and three women severely.

 

 In the last year, Pastor A’s children were barred from attending the local school and every Sunday, a mob shows up at the church and throws stones and fireworks through the windows of the church in an attempt to disrupt the services. Even as she recounted brutal details of her story, Pastor A was smiling and able to laugh and trust God’s plan for her life. We asked how she was able to endure; “I am following God’s vision for my life. It is not easy, but it is an honor to work for the Lord and suffer on his behalf.” Please pray for the protection of pastors in Sri Lanka who are living lives of obedience to Christ and saving the lost.

 

New Believer In Tajikistan Clings to Christ

 

 Becoming a Christian in Tajikistan is no easy matter. The government, afraid of Islamic extremism, has also entirely barred Christian churches from registration, and closely monitors the few that it does allow to meet and hold services. Social pressures from the heavily Islamic (though largely nominal) culture are ever present. Despite all this, persecution watchdog group Open Doors reports that Muslims are coming to Christ in this closed, repressive nation. Read the the stories of several Tajik women who have become believers and ask for prayer on their behalf

 

NEWS | US: Military Bars Troops from Attending Vacation Bible School

 

 When Bible Baptist Church located in the small town of Carthage, Missouri invited the National Guard to visit their “God’s Rescue Squad” themed Vacation Bible School, they were informed that federal policy restricted them from visiting the church. This decision has elicited reactions of disappointment and embarrassment from both members of the Guard and members of the church. Despite the fact that the National Guard was allowed to participate in Washington DC’s gay pride parade, no exceptions were made to allow them to participate in the VBS

 

 

Only America Can Save Iraq’s Last Christians

 

 Iraqi Christians this month have faced their worst nightmares in the form of being evicted from their homes by a radical Islamist group in Mosul, Iraq. Christian houses now stand, emptied and marked with the letter N for Nazarene. The Islamic State (IS or ISIS) has now claimed Christian properties such as homes and churches as their property, and evicting any Christian who does not convert, or pay tax for their religious identity. As the world watches what amounts to nothing less than religious cleansing, the question becomes “what will we do?”

 

 

Abducted for 12 Days by Muslim Captors

 

 On May 4, 2013, Zoya’s life was radically changed when Muslim radicals abducted her from home and held her captive for 12 days. Zoya was forcefully converted to Islam and then married to one of her Muslim abductors. Due to a congenital heart condition, she had a major heart attack. Her captors dumped her on the side of the road where she was discovered by a passerby who took her to a nearby hospital. After recovering from her heart attack, Zoya was able to reunite with her family. Zoya remains in a legal battle against her “husband” who is demanding Zoya’s family return her to him. ICC has provided legal assistance and food aid to Zoya and her family during this difficult time.

 

 Because of stories like these, International Christian Concern (ICC) has made it a priority to help Christian women in Pakistan like Zoya who are persecuted because of their gender and their faith. If you’d like to learn more about how ICC assists Christian women in Pakistan..

 

NEWS | China Topples Cross From Church In Massive Crackdown

 

 The massive church cross demolition campaign has been carried out by Zhejiang Provincial government, China, for more than 3 months. At least 360 churches have been affected. ICC’s local contact said that “not only is there no sign of the government stopping anytime soon; they have become more aggressive removing church crosses..

 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sisterthundershow/2014/08/04/persecute-church-goes-underground