Ethiopian Magistrate Releases Two Jailed Protestants
Evangelical church leaders Kiros Meles and Abebayeh Desalegn walked free today after being jailed without charges for 10 months in the northern Ethiopian town of Maychew.
Christian Persecution
Chinese Pastor on the Run
(Voice of the Martyrs) — A Chinese house church leader is on the run from Public Security Bureau officers after his church was raided February 9.
Largest Public Outreach by Christians in Afghanistan
LAKE FOREST, CA (ANS) — “Advent in Afghanistan†may have been the largest public outreach by Christians to students in the history of Afghanistan. It began when Norm and Cher Nelson, from the radio ministry, Compassion Radio, accepted an invitation to take the experience of Christmas to 30,000 school children in 49 schools in an historic region of Afghanistan during late November and early December 2002.
Attacks Against Sudanese Civilians in Southern Sudan Overwhelm a Small Hospital in Nimule
Sudanese civilians living in the Western Nile Region of Southern Sudan have been deliberately targeted and displaced by Islamic Government Forces and militia (see “U.S. condemns abuses against civilians in Sudan” Associated Press, 2/11/03). Many have fled to the town of Nimule, where Operation Nehemiah operates a newly acquired hospital.
Attacks Against Sudanese Civilians in Southern Sudan Overwhelm a Small Hospital in Nimule
Sudanese civilians living in the Western Nile Region of Southern Sudan have been deliberately targeted and displaced by Islamic Government Forces and militia (see “U.S. condemns abuses against civilians in Sudan” Associated Press, 2/11/03). Many have fled to the town of Nimule, where Operation Nehemiah operates a newly acquired hospital.
Ethiopian Evangelicals Still Jailed Without Charges
Evangelical Christians in northern Ethiopia confirmed yesterday that instead of being released as expected, two local church elders jailed without charges for 10 months were remanded back to prison two days ago by a local court judge.
North Korea Remains Atop Persecution ‘World Watch List’
The isolated communist nation of North Korea remains atop the Open Doors “World Watch List” of countries where Christians are persecuted. The annual list ranks countries according to the intensity of persecution Christians face for actively pursuing their faith.
Christian to be Deported from Saudi Arabia After Months in Prison
Indian Christian, Prabhu Isaac, is due to be deported from Jiddah tonight after spending more than six months in Saudi prisons in connection with his Christian faith.
At least Ten Killed in Jerusalem Bus Bombing
Jerusalem, Israel (Worthy News) — Just before 9 A.M. this morning at least 10 people were killed and 50 wounded when a bomb was detonated in a bus traveling down Gaza Road in Jerusalem, Israel. The explosion occurred near the home of Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, who was not home at the time, and also near the Moment Café, where 11 people were killed in a previous attack in March of 2002.
Six Missionaries in India Beaten for Sharing Christ
In Orissa, India, where missionary Staines and his two sons were martyred, Gospel workers continue to face persecution.
Lao Christians Praised and Persecuted
In a country where Christians are roundly despised and persecuted, Lao officials recently awarded certificates of recognition to two church groups for competing in local athletic events.
Philippine Missionary Murdered
A Philippine missionary working among minority groups on Mindanao Island was shot and murdered on January 17.
Hmong Christians suffer chemical attacks in Vietnam
The Voice of the Martyrs has learned that Vietnamese police, anxious to stop the spread of Christianity in their nation, have resorted to spraying worshippers with an unidentified chemical agent. Underground church services were raided and believers sprayed in two separate attacks last month. Victims of the attacks report that the chemical gas causes seizures and uncontrollable shaking.
Somali Christians and Missionaries Murdered
Several Christians and Westerners have been killed in violent attacks as anti-Christian violence spreads throughout the mainly Islamic, impoverished African nation, Barnabas Fund said Friday Dec. 19.
Kidnapped Iraqi Archbishop Released Unharmed
ISTANBUL, January 18 (Compass) — Less than 24 hours after armed gunmen kidnapped the Syrian Catholic archbishop of Mosul, the 66-year-old cleric was set free today unharmed.
Christian Peace Leader Poisoned While in Police Custody
Reverend Damanik, a key Christian leader working for an end to the violence in Indonesia, has been poisoned while being detained for the last four months.
Pamphlet Urges Pakistani Muslims to Kill Westerners and Christians
An inflammatory pamphlet being distributed in Pakistan by Islamic fundamentalists calls on Muslims to kill Westerners and Christians wherever and whenever they may be found.
Muslim Backlash in Indonesia?
Indonesia watchers are saying that the recent violence by Islamic radicals in the 13,000-island nation may actually be driving people from Islam.
Sri Lanka: Violent Persecution Increasing
t the beginning of the 20th century (1900), Buddhism claimed a following of around 20 percent of the world’s population. By the end of the 20th century it was down to 5 percent. This is largely because Buddhists have historically been found primarily in East and South East Asia, a region that has suffered severely from atheist-fundamentalist (Communist) persecution of all religion. Buddhism has not survived and revived as Christianity has.
India: Missionaries to Unreached Tribe Attacked
Hindu radicals attacked missionaries working among the Dhakti Bhils in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan Christmas week.