Source: The Christian Post
In the midst of terrible war and chaos, Syria's Christian minority is facing insurmountable challenges due to distinct persecution. Vicious attacks have been made by militant Islamists and criminals, resulting in a massive exodus of believers who are being forced to flee the country. According to Archdeacon Emanuel Youkhana of the Assyrian Church of the East, who is trying to cope with the overwhelming refugee crisis, Christians in Syria are fleeing en masse from threats, kidnappings, rapes and murders. "Behind the daily reporting about bombs," he says, "there is an ethno-religious cleansing taking place, and soon Syria (will) be emptied of its Christians."
Although the official number of Assyrian Christians who have already fled is not known, hundreds are crossing the border into Turkey and Lebanon daily. Sadly, these panic-stricken refugees have faced horrific circumstances and ongoing threats. Some point to a government that failed to protect them; others to the Islamist rebels who drove them out. One woman explained that her husband and son were shot in the head for no reason. "Our only crime is being Christians," she responded. (
Click here to view a previous report that also reveals the seriousness of Syria's mounting persecution.)
May these displaced Assyrian believers be mindful that our Lord Jesus, who was Himself rejected by those in His homeland, understands their plight. Pray that His reassuring presence and comfort will sustain them in their hour of need. Ask our Almighty God to provide greatly needed protection, strength and divine guidance as they seek refuge and safety in other lands. May the promised blessing of Matthew 5:10 serve to further encourage them: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
INDONESIA: Fire-Bombings Targeted at Churches
Sources: The Jakarta Globe, International Christian Concern, Barnabas
A total of four churches on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi were attacked recently by arsonists using homemade bombs. While no one was injured, the attacks resulted in property damage to the church buildings, as well as increased anxiety among the local communities.
According to police, it appears the assailants intended to stir up religious tensions between Christian and Islamic groups on the island. More than a decade ago, an anti-Christian campaign by extremists had destroyed hundreds of churches and thousands of homes. Reports indicate that thousands of Christians from both the Sulawesi and Moluccas islands were killed in the conflict and approximately half a million others were driven out in what has been described as an ethnic cleansing effort.
As recently stated by Human Rights Watch, religious intolerance is growing noticeably worse in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country. The latest report, which compiled information on 264 incidents of religious intolerance, revealed that these statistics are almost double those of 2007. To learn more about the situation in Indonesia, go to the
Indonesia Country Report.
Our Heavenly Father, whose eyes "run to and fro throughout the whole earth," is fully aware of the many violent acts that have occurred against His Church in Indonesia and around the world. Let's pray in agreement with His powerful Word, and through the precious blood of The Lamb, that He will indeed "show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" (2 Chronicles 16:9).
TANZANIA: Pastor Killed in Religious-Related Brawl
Source: International Christian Concern
The pastor of an Assemblies of God church, located in the town of Buseresere (Geita Region), was savagely killed on the morning of February 11th during an attack made by a gang of youths believed to be Muslim extremists. Local police commander Denis Stephano announced that tensions had been brewing for some time between the Christian and Muslim residents within the community over whether or not the Christians were allowed to operate butcheries in town. According to All Africa News, the Muslim leaders demanded the immediate closure of the butcheries owned by Christians.
It was while making a morning delivery to the Tanzania Assemblies of God Church that those working for the butchery were suddenly attacked by the gang. In response, Pastor Mathayo Kachili quickly rushed to intervene at the scene where he himself was attacked and then beheaded. The deceased church leader leaves behind a grief-stricken wife and several heartbroken children. In addition, someone described as "one of the attackers" by originating news sources later died in the Intensive Care Unit of a nearby hospital due to serious injuries.
Pray for all the members of this shattered community who need God's love and peace in their midst. May many miracles take place as a result: the salvation of lost souls, greatly needed healing and relational harmony between residents. Remember to uphold the family and congregation of Pastor Kachili who need the Lord's comfort in their grief. May He grant them the strength and ability to exemplify the character of Christ through their consistent love and prayers for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48). Also pray for the family of the individual who died in hospital from injuries.
