News stories about current issues. http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjM0 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:29:35 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjM0 On Feb. 28, Hamid and Reyhaneh, a former-Muslim couple who led a house church, were arrested by secret police in Isfahan, Iran, according to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN). Twenty secret police officers arrested and assaulted Reyhaneh when she resisted. “Hamid was arrested when he returned home an hour later,” FCNN reported. “Other believers present at the time were threatened but not detained, though one was also...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjMz Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:47:26 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjMz Uzbekistan’s government continues to fine members of the Baptist Union and harass Protestant Christians, according to Forum 18 News. “Valery Konovalov has been forced to pay a fine, after he was forced to appear as a witness in the trial of three leaders of the Baptist Union,” Forum 18 reported. “The three have themselves been forced to pay what the same court claimed was unpaid taxes and two were removed from their...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjMy Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:21:03 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjMy On Oct. 19, Neixiang police officials arrested 60 Christians attending a worship service, according to ChinaAid Association. After charging them with “disturbing social orders under the name of religious activities,” police fined five brothers and sentenced them to 10 days administrative detention. On Oct. 30, police decided to increase the sentence of the church’s leader, Guo Quanyou, to one year re-education through labor...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjMx Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:23:18 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjMx On Feb. 4, Moroccan military authorities raided a Christian meeting and arrested 18 people. The authorities also confiscated Bibles and personal belongings, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. “We were surprised by more than 60 Moroccan Gendarmes attacking the house [where we had just started our Bible study],” a VOM contact said. “Eleven believers (including an American), two non-believers and five...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjMw Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:08:04 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjMw VOM Partners with OWU for the Persecuted Church In 2003 The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) announced a partnership with Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OWU) to offer an undergraduate degree and certificate program in Christian Missions and Persecuted Church Ministry. Seven years later, the program continues to produce graduates who are uniquely equipped to minister inside restricted nations. The program, the only of its kind in the world,...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjI5 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:50:19 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjI5 Three Christians have been killed in Mosul recently, and community leaders warn that violence will increase leading to the March 7 parliamentary election, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP). On Feb. 16, unidentified gunmen shot two Christian students with an automatic weapon. Police told AFP that Zia Toma, a 21-year-old engineering student, was killed in the shooting and Ramsin Shmael, a 22-year-old pharmacy student, was wounded. Both...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjI4 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:45:00 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjI4 In January, 48 Christians were forced from their homes by more than 100 officials and villagers in Katin village, Saravan province, Laos, according to Compass Direct News. After gathering for Sunday worship, the believers were expelled from their church at gunpoint and taken to an open field. Officials then confiscated personal belongings from 11 Christians’ homes, and six of the homes were later destroyed. Officials also took a pig,...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjI2 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:04:49 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjI2 Two Hmong believers were arrested on Dec. 3 after a relative told authorities they were sharing the gospel, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The men, who became Christians a few years ago, have led most of their relatives to Christ, with the exception of a father-in-law. When the men began to face persecution, they moved their families to another village. “On Dec. 3, [they returned] to their old village and very suddenly...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjI1 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:18:30 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjI1 On Dec. 24, 15 Iranian Christians were arrested by security forces in Pakdasht, Iran according to Farsi Christian News Network.  The believers were arrested and detained while gathered at a house church to celebrate Christmas. After a week without information, family members contacted authorities and demanded to know where they were being held. Officials told the families that the Christians would be released the same day, but instead...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjI0 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:55:14 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjI0 More than 100 Christians have been killed in Jos, Nigeria, since Jan. 17, when violent riots broke out between the Christian and Muslim communities, according to VOM contacts. The Voice of the Martyrs contacts reported that the violence was triggered by a Muslim attack on St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Nasarawa Gwong, in the Jos North Local Government Area. “It appears to the Christians here that elements inside the Nigerian...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjIy Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:37:50 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjIy “The world needs to know about the genocide that is happening today in Burma.” — Patrick Klein, Vision Beyond Borders The Burmese army is carrying out a massive killing campaign against its people, and the world is unaware, Patrick Klein of Vision Beyond Borders told VOM staff. According to Patrick, who recently returned from Burma and Thailand, more than 500,000 people have been killed in Burma (also known as Myanmar) in the last...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjIx Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:34:28 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjIx On Jan. 10, Muslim extremists set fire to Tafath church in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, damaging church property, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The Tafath church has been threatened since December, when extremists disrupted a Christmas celebration. “As Christians continued to come for worship to this church despite the increasing intimidation, the Muslim extremists decided to burn the church,” VOM contacts said....]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjIw Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:25:44 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjIw On Jan. 11, Hikmat Sleiman, a 75-year-old Christian man, was shot to death by unknown assailants in Mosul, Iraq, according to VOM Canada and Asia News. Sleiman had just returned home from closing his grocery shop when a group of assailants opened fire, killing him instantly. Local Christians see his murder and a string of other recent attacks against believers as evidence of  “ethnic cleansing” designed to force Christians...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjE5 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:17:12 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjE5 Eight churches have been attacked in Malaysia following a court decision that allows Christians to use “Allah” in their prayers and publications when referring to God, according to The Associated Press (AP). On Sunday, Jan. 10, three churches were firebombed. “On Sunday, a Molotov cocktail was hurled at the All Saints Church in Taiping town in central Perak state early in the morning before it opened,” state police...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjE4 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:27:57 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjE4 On Dec. 16, several Iranian security officials forcibly entered the home of Hamideh Najafi in the city of Mashhad. They arrested her and seized personal belongings, including CDs and hand-painted portraits of Jesus Christ, according to Farsi Christian News Network. Officials interrogated Hamideh and requested the names of Christian evangelists in Iran. Officials also demanded that she deny her faith and return to Islam. When Hamideh refused,...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjE3 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:22:37 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjE3 On Dec. 26, about 50 Muslim extremists tried to prevent a congregation of Christian converts from holding a Christmas service in the city of Tizi-Ouzou, northern Algeria, according to Compass Direct News. Members of the Tafat Church were gathering for the meeting when they were confronted by protestors who barred the church building’s doors. “This land is the land of Islam! Go pray somewhere else,” some of the protestors...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjE2 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:45:46 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjE2 Many religious communities in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan have not yet re-registered with government authorities as required by laws passed in both countries in 2009, according to Forum 18 News. Religious communities that fail to register by January 1, 2010, will be considered illegal. As of Dec. 16, only about 100 of the 534 religious communities previously registered in Azerbaijan had re-registered. “Amendments to the Religion Law will...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjE1 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:54:23 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjE1 On Dec. 17, security police and undercover officers attacked a Christmas gathering of more than 70 newly converted Christians in the city of Karaj, Iran, according to Farsi Christian News. Officers photographed and videotaped the believers and also confiscated Bibles, Christian books and a computer. Christians were told they must be available during the period leading up to formal and legal interrogations and that they must appear before...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjE0 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:50:57 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjE0 On Dec. 17, a mob of nearly 1,000 Muslims attacked a church building under construction in Bekasi Regency, near Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, according to VOM Canada. At midnight, Muslims arrived on bikes and on foot at the Church of Saint Albert. They stormed into the building, carrying banners and tanks of kerosene. One witness reported hearing them shout, “Destroy! Destroy it! Replace the church with mosque!” Muslims...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjEy Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:52:08 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjEy On Nov. 30, Shao Wangui, the leader of a house church in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, was arrested without a warrant and later released, according to China Aid Association. Officials and local villagers targeted Shao Wangui after he and his brother, who are co-owners of the Xinba Shoes Factory, refused to pay a fee to support the building of a Buddhist temple in their village. Wangui also asked the members of his house church to refuse to...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjEx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:57:33 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjEx Pakistani Christians Sandul Bibi and her father, Gulsher Masih, were released from jail today after a court found them innocent from charges of blasphemy against the Quran. The pair had been in custody since October 2008, when a radical Muslim mob gathered outside their home after mosque loudspeakers announced rumors that Sandul had torn pages from a copy of the Quran. Police arrested Sandul and her father, and filed a case under Pakistani...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjEw Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:52:37 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjEw On Nov. 7, house church leader Alimujiang Yimiti, 36, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for “providing state secrets to overseas organizations,” according to China Aid Association. Yimiti’s sentence was unexpected to both his lawyers and family. He was read his sentence at Kashgar Detention Center where he had been held for the past two years, without a verdict or sentence. Officials have changed the charges against...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjA5 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:49:13 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjA5 On Nov. 14, the body of a 23-year-old Christian convert, Mumin Abdikarim Yusuf, was discovered in Mogadishu's Yaqshid district, according to Compass Direct News. On Oct. 28, members of al-Shabaab, an Islamic extremist group, detained Yusuf and searched his home for Christian materials. A 15-year-old Muslim boy had accused Yusuf of trying to convert him to Christianity. In an attempt to gain evidence against Yusuf and to gain information...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjA4 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:30:28 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjA4 On Nov. 18, Wusiman Yiming, a Christian convert from Islam, was released from prison in China after being imprisoned for two years, according to China Aid Association. Yiming, a prominent house church leader among the Uyghur people, was grateful to be reunited with his wife and two young children. China Aid reported that Yiming looked “fragile, but has a very strong spirit.” “[He] asked [us] to extend his heartfelt...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjA1 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:31:10 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjA1 China’s central government has intensified its campaign against Christians and has recently targeted both registered and unregistered churches, according to China Aid Association. On November 2, Judge Sun of the Linfen Intermediate Court instructed the families of five imprisoned leaders from the Linfen-Fushan Church in Shanxi province to hire lawyers to defend them in an immediate trial. Even though the believers had been detained...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjA0 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:49:36 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjA0 On November 18, Maryam Rustampoor and Marzieh Amirizadeh were released from Evin Prison in Tehran after being held for 259 days, according to Elam Ministries. Family members picked them up at the prison, and the women expressed heartfelt thanks to Christians around the world who prayed for them during their days in prison. “Words are not enough to express our gratitude to the Lord and to his people who have prayed and worked for our...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjAz Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:11:20 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjAz Central Assemblies of God Church has been forced to close down its regular Friday afternoon services and can only hold two services on Sundays, Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN) reported. The Assemblies of God authorities announced at the conclusion of their Oct. 30 service that Friday worship services would no longer take place and only Sunday services, in two separate shifts, would be conducted. The church, which is the largest public and...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjAy Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:08:13 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjAy Two Christian brothers, Viktor and Didrikh Leven, have been convicted of participating in religious worship without state registration in Akmola Region, Kazakhstan, according to Forum18 News. On Oct. 14, Viktor, who was born in Kazakhstan but holds German citizenship, was found guilty of "carrying out missionary activity without local registration" under Article 375-3 of Kazakhstan’s Administrative Code. The charge is punishable by a...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjAx Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:55:22 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MjAx UPDATE: Chen Le, a 17-year-old high school student who was expelled from school because of his Christian faith, was invited on Oct. 29 to return to school, according to a report from the China Aid Association. On Oc. 28, the Party Secretary of the High School Division and several other party members and instructors from the Huashan Middle School visited Chen Le at his home and politely invited him to return to his studies. The Party Secretary...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTk4 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:22:38 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTk4 On Oct.27, The Voice of the Martyrs contacts reported nearly 1,000 Arastamar Bible school students face eviction from a West Jarkata Mayors office building where they were living temporarily, in Indonesia. The day before the High Court of West Jakarta’s eviction notice, local government authorities cut off electricity and water to the site and this led to the student demonstrations. “That day … a thousand students were...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTk3 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:45 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTk3 On Oct. 20, Chen Le, a high school student, was expelled from Xinjiang High school for refusing to denounce his faith, according to China Aid Association. The High School Division of the Huashan Middle School expelled Chen after he signed a document confirming he was a Christian. The expulsion notice read as follows: Chen Le, a 2nd grader from Class 8 of Senior High School, was found by Bazhou Public Security Agency and other related...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTk0 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:06:48 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTk0 On Oct. 14, Asia Bibi appeared in court, in Sheikhupura, Pakistan and spent some time with her family before the court appearance. Asia’s husband, Ashiq Masih, her daughters and VOM contacts met  her for 15 minutes before the court appearance. “Asia is in strong faith. Her eyes were hopeful. Praise God,” VOM contacts said. Asia told VOM contacts she prays everyday at 3 a.m. “I thank God that the jail administration...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTkz Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:33:34 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTkz Recently, two Baptist pastors in Russia's Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad were fined 2,200 rubles (US $75) after their community "sang psalms and spoke about Christ" on the street, according to Forum 18 News Service. Kaliningrad police told Forum 18 News that the pastors did get permission in advance to sing, as required by law. "But they didn't have permission and they had no intention of getting it!" a police official remarked, clearly...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTky Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:30:19 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTky On Sept. 21, Pastor Manuel was shot and killed by The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas in San Jose del Guaviare, Colombia, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. FARC guerrillas made an appointment with Pastor Manuel and his family. “He thought they were going to authorize him to have a church officially, which he had discuss[ed] and asked [for] before,” said VOM contacts. “One of them came in...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTkx Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:28:07 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTkx On Oct. 4, Pastor Prakash was attacked by 25 Bajrang Dal extremists while he was ministering in Kaiwara village, Bangalore Rural District, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The extremists assaulted the pastor and accused him of cheating people. After the attack, the pastor was questioned and held on complaints of “illegal activity.” Fortunately, other believers provided evidence that the pastor had not broken any...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTkw Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:33:23 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTkw On Sept. 17, Pastor Hua Huiqi was arrested by Chinese authorities in Fengtai District, Beijing, according to China Aid Association. Pastor Hua reportedly called his wife, Ju Mei, and told her he had been forced into a Public Security Bureau (PSB) vehicle while on his way to a dinner meeting. Less than 30 minutes later, Hua phoned his wife again and told her that the police had taken him to an unknown location. The phone line then went dead....]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTg5 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:30:34 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTg5 On Sept. 28 an Islamic extremist shot and killed Mariam Muhina Hussein, an underground church leader, after discovering six Bibles in her possession, according to Compass Direct News. The day before the shooting, a leader of the Islamic extremist group al Shabaab reportedly sent his wife to visit Hussein's home in Marerey villange. She pretended she was interested in learning about Christianity. During the visit, Hussein read passages of the...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTg4 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:31:04 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTg4 November 8:  Churches Reminded to Pray for the Persecuted Churches across the United States and around the world are preparing to “remember those in bonds” (Hebrews 13:3) on Nov. 8, the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Begun in 1996, IDOP is a day for intercessory prayer and citizen action on behalf of persecuted Christian communities worldwide. “As our staff meets with persecuted...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTg3 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:49:10 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTg3 On Sept. 27, four believers were injured when a Christian relief camp in Nandarigi village, Orissa state, providing temporary housing for Christians who fled anti-Christian, was bombed by suspected Hindu extremists, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The Hindu man who reportedly set off the bomb was killed in the attack. Five days before the attack the suspected bomber reportedly threatened Christians at the camp with violence,...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTg0 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:23:19 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTg0 On Sept. 16, The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Pakistan reported that 20 year old Sandul Bibi’s faith is strong and she is encouraged by reading the Bible and a copy of Tortured for Christ. Despite being held in prison for 11 months without a trial, Sandul has been encouraged by reading the Bible and a copy of Tortured for Christ, a book written by VOM’s founder Richard Wurmbrand. “In the month of March,...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTgz Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:10:12 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTgz The Voice of the Martyrs invites people to support persecuted believers through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The CFC is one of the largest workplace giving campaigns in the world allowing any who works for the Federal government — including civilian, postal and military employees — to contribute to charities via payroll deductions.  VOM is one of many charities eligible for this workplace giving program. “VOM is...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTgw Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:59:55 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTgw On Sept. 9, St. Francis De Sales Church in Bangalore, India was attacked by more than 15 Hindu extremists, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Extremists armed with weapons broke into the church, damaged window panes and statues inside the church. A house behind the church was damaged. The church has about 3,000 members who attend services performed in different languages such as Tamil, Malayalam and English. Following the attack,...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTc5 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:40:08 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTc5 UPDATE: On Sept. 10, The Voice of the Martyrs received reports that Maryam and Marzieh’s health has deteriorated and urgent prayers are needed for God to encourage, and miraculously heal them. According to Elam Ministries, the women who have been in prison for more than six months are suffering from sore throats, irregular painful stomach aches and intense headaches. “Both have lost much weight during their ordeal, because of...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTc4 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:28:59 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTc4 Hindus in Madhya Pradesh, India, have accused Pastor Kamlesh Tahed and three other Christians of murdering a young man who was killed in a fight between two locals, according to Compass Direct News. On Aug. 8, Roop Singh Baria was killed during violence between the Baria and Tahed clans regarding 1,000 rupees (US $20), which had been borrowed by one of the Tahed family members. When members of the Baria clan filed a report with the police...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTc3 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:08:50 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTc3 On Aug. 23, seven church members belonging to the registered Donam Protestant church were arrested and Christian literature confiscated when more than 20 police officers raided a church service in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, according to Forum 18 News. Members of the Anti-Terror Police claimed the service was “unauthorized” and although three men were released on the same day, four, including the pastor, Vladimir Tyo, were sentenced to...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTc2 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:19:42 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTc2 On Sept. 1, The Voice of the Martyrs received a letter from the wife of one of many Christians being held in prison in an Islamic country. In her letter, she shared how her 3-year-old daughter struggles with her husband’s imprisonment and asked for continued prayers. Her letter reads: “Thanks for your e-mail and love and prayers. I am doing OK. Worry tries to take over me and my mind keeps thinking worries I shouldn't. But the...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTc1 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:17:04 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTc1 Forum 18 News reports that on Aug. 20, New Life Full Gospel Church in Minsk, Moscow, was issued an eviction notice by government officials, forcing them to abandon their church building purchased in 2002. The church is adamant they do not fear the government’s threats. “We’re here praying and believe God will protect us,” Sergei Lukanin, the church’s lawyer told Forum 18 News. “As a lawyer I believe the...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTcz Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:57:52 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTcz   Have you heard that smuggling Bibles into China is now unnecessary because Amity Printing can legally print Bibles? The Voice of the Martyrs is grateful that since 1987 Amity Printing has distributed 40 million Bibles in China and exported 9 million. Unfortunately, with 1.3 billion people living in China today more Bibles are desperately needed. To better understand China’s need for Bibles VOM encourages you use China’s...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTcx Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:58:34 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTcx On July 26, 12 Christians were killed, including three pastors, in northern Nigeria after members of the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram launched attacks on police and government bases, according to contacts at VOM Canada. The violence, which began in Bauchi state, spread to Borno, Kano and Yobe states. Churches were set ablaze and several people were abducted, including Christians. Many believers were threatened with death if they refused...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTY5 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:13:02 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTY5 On June 7, police raided an evangelism meeting, arrested and tortured a pastor and two others in Boalia, Bangladesh, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Pastor Habibur Rahman, of Boalia Spiritual Church was leading the meeting when suddenly the police came in and took them to the police station. That night the police blindfolded them with cloths for few hours and beat them up. During the beatings police asked who was supporting...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTY4 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:14:48 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTY4 On Aug. 1, a mob of angry Muslim extremists attacked Christians in Gojra district, Punjab province, killing at least eight believers, including a seven-year-old child, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Dozens of homes and a church building were looted and burned. Reports indicate the violence resulted from rumors Christians had desecrated pages from the Quran several days earlier at a wedding in a nearby village. This was the...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTY3 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:41:58 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTY3 UPDATE: On Aug. 8, Marzieh and Maryam were summoned to an Iranian court and ordered to deny their faith verbally and in a written statement, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Marzieh and Maryam were pressured to recant their faith after the chief interrogator recommended they be charged with apostasy. Praise God, they stood firm and replied, “We love Jesus. We will not deny our faith.”  VOM contacts reported...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTY2 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:29:28 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTY2 On Aug. 5, 2009, The Voice of the Martyrs’ Bibles Unbound (BU) ministry reached an exciting milestone with its shipment of the 1 millionth New Testament. VOM is grateful to believers all across the United States who regularly mail New Testaments to people in countries such as Colombia, China, North Korea and Egypt.  BU and its covert operations are unique tools to spread the gospel throughout restricted nations. VOM praises God...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTY1 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:31:50 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTY1 On June 10, 2009 Shi Weihan was sentanced to three years in prison in China. His crime? He "violated the regulations of the state in printing illegal publications," according to Shi's official indictment in Chinese courts. In reality, Shi was a Christian bookstore owner whose Holy Spirit Trading Company voluntarily printed Bibles and Christian literature to give away to Chinese Christians. After his arrest, Chinese police confiscated more...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTY0 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:33:36 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTY0 On July 23, a Christian youth camp was raided by Public Security Bureau (PSB) and Religious Affairs Bureau (RAF) officials in Nanyang city, Henan province. PSB and RAF officers took away more than 20 students attending the summer camp. The students, each under age 18, were released to their families that afternoon. Two instructors, 40 year-old Cheng Ping, and  30 year-old Miao Miao, were arrested and sent to the Yongan Lu Detention...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTYz Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:31:40 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTYz On July 30, Muslim extremists attacked Christians, burning more than 50 homes and animals in Faisalabad, Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Muslims falsely accused Christians of burning the Quran during a wedding ceremony the previous day. Muslim extremists said they attacked believers because police did not arrest anyone for burning a  Quran. This is the fifth incident of persecution against Christians in two...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTYy Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:40:56 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTYy On July 23, Yemane Kahasay Andom, a Christian imprisoned for his faith in Eritrea died after authorities denied him medical treatment, according to Compass Direct News. Yemane is the third Christian to die in prison this year. He died at Mitire Confinement Center from complications with malaria and was reportedly tortured while in prison. It is believed his body was secretly buried at the camp.  According to Compass Direct, two weeks...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTYw Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:01:29 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTYw On June 29, Pastor Dou Shaowen who is currently serving a one-year sentence for “engaging in illegal activities” was secretly transferred to Shifo Re-education Through Labor Center in Zhengzhou city, Henan province, according to China Aid Association. His family was not informed of his transfer. Pastor Dou, his wife Feng Lu and five other believers were arrested on June 14 when government officials raided and closed the Rock Church....]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTU5 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:03:22 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTU5 Christians in Pakistan are inviting believers around the world to join them in prayer for their nation and for the blasphemy laws to be repealed, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. More than 575 pastors from different churches in Pakistan have agreed to observe July 26, 2009 as a day of prayer for persecuted believers. Christians are also running a petition aimed at repealing the blasphemy laws that have led to the arrest of...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTU4 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:47:54 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTU4 In recent weeks, Chinese officials have raided house church meetings and arrested believers throughout the country, according to reports from China Aid Association. On July 3, a house church was raided and eight Christians arrested in the A'Ler Tai area of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Two of the arrested believers have been released. At last report, four remained detained in an undisclosed location and the whereabouts of two arrested...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTU3 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:52:01 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTU3 On July 11 two bombs targeted churches in the cities of Baghdad and Mosul and killed at least four people and injured 30 others, according to VOM contacts. Two bombs ripped through the St. Joseph church in western Baghdad at approximately 10:00 p.m. The next afternoon, three bombs exploded within 15 minutes of each other outside three different church buildings in Baghdad. That evening, a car bomb detonated outside a church building in the...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTU2 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:42:40 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTU2 On June 26, more than 150 Muslim extremists launched a devastating attack on more than 150 Christian families after a fight about a personal matter between Muslims and Christians occurred three days earlier. During the attack Muslims damaged 60 houses, including burning 16 to the ground, poured kerosene on a believer in an attempt to burn her, destroyed two donkey carts and broke 25 electricity meters, in Kasur, Pakistan, according to The...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTU1 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:19:55 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTU1 Islamic extremists have beheaded two boys in Somalia because their Christian father, 55 year-old Musa Mohammed Yusuf, refused to give them information about an underground church leader, according to Compass Direct News. The extremists from the group al shabaab killed 11 year-old Abdi Rahaman Musa Yusuf and 12 year-old Hussein Musa Yusuf, after abducting them in front of their mother. The terrorists are currently looking for Yusuf in Kenyan...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTU0 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:03:26 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTU0 On June 12, nine Christian relief workers were abducted and three killed, reportedly because they were suspected of being involved in evangelistic work, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The Christians left the city of Sa'ada without an armed escort to visit a doctor who lived nearby, according to reports. The believers left the doctor's home after two hours and eyewitnesses saw a group of armed men stop them. Investigators...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTUz Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:08 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTUz On June 14, a pastor and his family were brutally attacked when Hindu extremists barged into their church during a prayer meeting, accusing them of forcible conversions, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. At 11 a.m. more than 40 Hindu extremists belonging to the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak and Bajrang Dal fundamentalist groups, barged into Beersheba Church and asked for Pastor Kulpeep Daniel. When the Pastor told them who he was, the...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTUx Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:29:18 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTUx UPDATE: Praise God! On June 13, Christians arrested by plain clothes police, after visiting Christian villages in Laos, were released without incident, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The believers were released without any problems, and they were not required to pay any fines. The police questioned them for hours and wanted to find out if they were resistance movement. When the police found out they were Christians, they were...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTUw Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:57:41 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTUw Is secret Christian work "illegal"? Ever wondered what to do when you are faced with a choice between breaking the law and following God? Didn’t Jesus tell us to “render unto Cesar” what is his? So whose law do we follow?  At The Voice of the Martyrs, we have to think about these issues all the time. In many of the countries we work in, it is against the law to print, sell, import or distribute Bibles or Christian...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQ5 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:02:59 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQ5 Asia Bibi, a 37-year-old Pakistani woman from the village of Ittanwali, was arrested by police on Friday, June 19, and faces possible blasphemy charges. Asia is the wife of 50-year-old Ashiq Masih, and their family is one of only three Christian families in a village of more than 1,500 families. Many of the local women work on the farm of Muslim landowner Muhammad Idrees, including Asia. During their work many of the Muslim women have...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQ4 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:13:33 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQ4 On June 12, 13 Christians were arrested by plain clothes police, after visiting Christian villages in Laos, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The visiting believers met the police when they were in the village for their routine daily work. The police questioned them about what they were doing in the village. The police have not disclosed why they arrested the believers and at last report the Christians are still being held at a...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQ3 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:08:20 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQ3    An anonymous fax believed to have been sent from the North Korean embassy for Finland promises workers affiliated with The Voice of the Martyrs (USA) that “something very bad will happen to you” if VOM continues a special project to share the Gospel via weekly fax transmissions to government and business representatives of the restricted Asian nation.    During the past year VOM has made an effort to...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQ1 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:24:08 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQ1 On June 10, a Chinese court sentenced Christian bookstore owner, 38 year-old, Shi Weihan, to three years in prison for “illegal business operations,” and fined him US$21,975 , according to China Aid Association. Shi Weihan operated a legal bookstore and only sold books with the government’s approval. His Holy Spirit Trading Company printed Bibles and Christian literature and distributed then freely to local house...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQ0 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:16:29 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQ0 UPDATE: On June 10, The Voice of the Martyrs received a copy of a letter from the Nepal Defense Fund (NDF), threatening to bomb 10 Christian homes in Nepal, if believers did not leave in 30 days, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The letter written by R.P. Mainali, the supreme commander of the NDF, published in a local newspaper, said the Nepalese government should not have released 62 Christians, in 1989 and 1990, who had been...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQz Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:40:50 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQz Imprisoned Christian, Sandul Bibi, remains strong in her faith and is concerned about her family’s faith despite being in prison for the past eight months, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Sandul has been encouraged by the prayers of other believers and her spirits are high even though the prison is hot and she has been suffering from allergies. Her family has provided her with medication for the allergies. In spite of...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQy Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:29:05 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQy The Uzbekistan government has recently imposed exorbitant fines and destroyed religious literature in hope of stopping believers from having Christian materials in their homes, according to Forum 18 News. In April and May, 33 Christians have been fined up to 100 times of their monthly salaries and in some cases the fines have been appealed and reduced. Six Baptists had their fines reduced from 50 times to five times their monthly...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQx Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:28:54 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQx On May 21 five newly converted Christians were arrested in Karaj, Iran after plain clothes security officers raided a house church where they had gathered for a Bible study, according to Farsi Christian Network News (FCNN). FCNN reported that the leader of the house church, Javad Abtahi, was among those arrested and his house was searched during the raid. … [He] was given no arrest warrant by the security officers and his house was...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQw Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:20:43 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTQw The leader of the Hindu extremist group, Nepal Defense Fund (NDF), has threatened to bomb the homes of all Christians if they do not stop spreading the gospel within one month, according to The Voice of the Martyrs.   In a letter received by local newspapers in Nepal, R.P. Mainali, the supreme commander of the NDF, demanded that Nepal be declared a Hindu state and Christians should not be allowed to worship freely. He said Hindu groups...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTM5 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:44:13 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTM5 The Voice of the Martyrs invites Christians to follow the ministry on Twitter which will enable readers to get involved and pray for persecuted believers around the world. “Twitter is one more tool The Voice of the Martyrs can use to share the powerful stories of the persecuted church,” says Todd Nettleton, spokesman for The Voice of the Martyrs. “One of the best ways we use it is to post prayer requests and instantly...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTM4 Fri, 29 May 2009 12:03:25 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTM4 On May 23, a bomb killed two Christians and wounded 15 others at the Assumption Catholic Church, in Kathmandu, Nepal, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts.  During a mass attended by more than 250 people, a young man and woman entered the church and placed a bag on the floor. “A few minutes later a bomb exploded sending shrapnel and nails flying into the congregation,” VOM contacts said. A 15 year-old girl was...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTM3 Fri, 29 May 2009 11:50:17 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTM3 On May 2009, Pastor Ramesh Mandevey was brutally attacked by 10 Hindu extremists, while he was returning from visiting a believer’s home in Tundavata, Madhya Pradesh, India, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Pastor Ramesh was beaten with fists, rods and clubs and left for dead. The attack occurred when the pastor and another believer were ambushed by Hindu extremists from neighboring villages. The extremists questioned the...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTM2 Tue, 26 May 2009 13:08:33 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTM2 On May 9, 16 Christians from the China Gospel Fellowship were released early from administrative detention in Xinye, Henan province, according to China Aid Association. The Christians were released before serving their 10 to14 day sentences and without paying the 1000 Yuan (US$150) fine. “The early release of the prisoners was due to pressure from international community and meant that the government admits they did was wrong,”...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTM0 Fri, 22 May 2009 08:06:24 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTM0 More than 80 Christian families are homeless and living on church grounds following the recent and continuing political unrest in Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Unlike Muslims, who have been housed and provided for by the government, more than 300 Christians have been displaced and left to fend for themselves. “When we left… [we were not] provided any transportation, whereas Muslims were provided...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTMz Thu, 21 May 2009 07:01:29 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTMz Authorities have threatened to seize the property of a formerly imprisoned Christian unless he pays a large sum of money they claim he acquired illegally in 1995, according to Forum 18 News. Shageldy Atakov was imprisoned in 1999 on charges of swindling another individual out of US$12,000 during a car deal. Atakov and other local Christians maintain that the charges were fabricated in order to stop his Christian activity. While in detention at...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTMw Thu, 14 May 2009 13:22:48 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTMw Two families were driven from their villages in West Java, Indonesia, in March after they converted to Christianity from Islam, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts.    When one family returned home from a mass baptism, their landlord asked them to vacate his property they were renting. He was angry because they were now Christians. “The Muslim leaders [in the village] supported the land owners to drive out the...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTI2 Tue, 12 May 2009 11:29:46 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTI2 On May 11, The Voice of the Martyrs launched its updated and user-friendly Web site www.persecution.com. The updated Web site features information and resources that enable believers to get involved and support persecuted believers around the world. The Newsroom provides the latest persecution stories from around the world and audio and video clips showing courageous Christians living for Christ. Visitors to the site can also access...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTE5 Tue, 05 May 2009 12:02:30 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTE5 On April 30, 2009, 18 house church Christians and leaders were arrested by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers, while they were gathered for communion at a house church in Xinye city, Henan province, according to China Aid Association.   The Christians were taken to the PSB office in Xinye city and each forced to pay a 1000 Yuan (about US$150) fine.  Currently 16 Christians are still being held by the PSB, including 10...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTEz Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:59:12 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTEz On April 26, three Christians were killed and two others wounded in Kirkuk, Iraq, according to CNN.com. Local police in southern Kirkuk told CNN attackers slit the throats of a Christian woman and her daughter-in-law, killing them both. Meanwhile in a nearby neighborhood gunmen attacked another Christian family shooting the father and his three sons. One of the sons died instantly and the others were wounded. This incident is the latest in a...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTEy Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:58:34 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTEy On Feb. 22, the Taliban attacked six churches, burned several Christian homes and four Bibles and injured children in Karachi, Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Eyewitnesses reported the Taliban shouting, "Accept Islam, Accept Islam, LA ILAHA ILL ALLAH MUHAMMADUR RASOOL ALLAH," meaning there is no god, only Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. The churches that were attacked are, Christ United Church, Philadelphia...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTEx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:57:53 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTEx On March 28, Hamoud Bin Saleh, a Saudi Christian arrested in January for writing about his conversion from Islam and criticizing the Saudi kingdom's crackdown on individual rights, was released from prison, according to Compass Direct News. Hamoud is reportedly forbidden to travel outside the country or appear in the media. In a recent post on his blog, Hamoud attributed his release to several human rights groups that campaigned on his behalf....]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTEw Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:56:46 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTEw Fourteen Khmu Christian families in Laos are standing strong in their faith, despite the Communist government forcing them to relocate to another village and their homes and church building being destroyed, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. In 2003, the families were evicted by the government and relocated to another village where they were moved again. "After these 14 families stayed at this village for a year, the Communist...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTA5 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:54:39 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTA5 The Voice of the Martyrs has launched Facebook applications that enable readers to get involved and pray for persecuted believers around the world. "Facebook has become popular by helping friends connect with each other," says Todd Nettleton, spokesman for The Voice of the Martyrs. "We are excited about providing tools to help VOM readers share their passion for the persecuted church with their friends through Facebook." "One of the exciting...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTA4 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:53:02 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTA4 On March 5, Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad and Maryam Rustampoor were arrested by Iranian security forces and labeled "anti-government activists," according to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN). Thirty year-old Marzieh and 27-year-old Maryam are being held at Evin Prison, which is notorious for treating women badly. "Both women are allowed just a one minute telephone call everyday to their immediate families. Both are unwell and in need of...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTA3 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:45:49 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTA3 http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTA2 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:43:13 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTA2 http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTA1 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:40:27 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTA1 Twenty-year old Sandul Bibi and her father Gulsher remain in prison in Pakistan despite four court hearings, according to VOM contacts. "On Feb. 24 Sandul and Gulsher had another court appearance and nothing significant was determined," VOM contacts said. "This has been the outcome for the last four court hearings." Sandul and Gulsher are charged with violating section 295-B of the Pakistani legal code, the 'blasphemy' law. Sandul is falsely...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTA0 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:38:57 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTA0 http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTAz Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:37:34 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTAz On Feb. 8 Shuang Shuying was released from prison in China and immediately went to a local hospital to visit her deathly ill husband, 91-year-old, Hua Zaichen. China Aid Association (CAA) reported Shuying, 79, sent a letter thanking everyone for praying and supporting her. She also revealed that while in prison she was tortured by the Public Security Bureau (PSB). "…The PSB went to my prison interrogating, threatening and harassing me...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTAy Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:32:34 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTAy http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTAx Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:30:56 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTAx "Nothing will happen to me. They know and respect me. Nobody will harm me." Those were the last words Pastor Kantheswar Digal spoke to his son Rajendra and his wife, Karpul. A Christian for more than 50 years, Pastor Digal was one of the few believers living in the small village of Sankarakhole, in Orissa state, India. He was well-known by the Hindus who shared his neighborhood. Yet, his son says, the family lived there in relative peace. "We...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTAw Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:29:34 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=MTAw http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTk%3d Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:27:04 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTk%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTg%3d Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:24:31 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTg%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTc%3d Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:23:28 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTc%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTY%3d Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:22:02 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTY%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTU%3d Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:21:00 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTU%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTM%3d Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:49:42 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTM%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTI%3d Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:48:55 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTI%3d Bartlesville, Oklahoma – In November 2008, two organizations that evaluate nonprofit organizations and Christian ministries — MinistryWatch.com and Charity Navigator — gave The Voice of the Martyrs high ratings for sound fiscal management. VOM was one of 30 ministries out of 500 to make MinistryWatch.com's list after demonstrating outstanding effectiveness and efficiency in ministry and financial operations. MinistryWatch.com's...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTQ%3d Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:52:45 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTQ%3d Twenty- year-old Sandul Bibi and her father Gulsher are in prison in Pakistan, charged with violating section 295-B of the Pakistani legal code, the "blasphemy" law. Sandul is falsely accused of ripping pages from the Quran. On Oct. 9 a large crowd of Muslims attacked Christian families at a church, throwing stones and firing guns. They were shouting, "Kill Gulsher and his daughter Sandul." Sandul and her father, Gulsher Masih, were arrested...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTA%3d Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:47:08 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTA%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTE%3d Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:47:50 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=OTE%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODk%3d Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:46:21 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODk%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODg%3d Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:45:32 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODg%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODc%3d Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:43:17 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODc%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODY%3d Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:42:14 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODY%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODU%3d Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:41:03 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODU%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODQ%3d Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:39:47 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODQ%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODM%3d Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:37:32 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODM%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODI%3d Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:36:49 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODI%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODE%3d Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:35:36 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODE%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODA%3d Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:34:28 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=ODA%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=Nzg%3d Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:31:29 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=Nzg%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=Nzk%3d Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:32:48 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=Nzk%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=Nzc%3d Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:30:32 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=Nzc%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzY%3d Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:29:25 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzY%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzI%3d Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:06:21 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzI%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzM%3d Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:06:21 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzM%3d Pastor Zhang “Bike” Mingxuan, known for traveling across China on a bicycle to evangelize, was arrested by Chinese police just two days before the Olympics began. Pastor Bike was the inspiration for the recent partnership between The Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association to create the Olympic Prayer Band. Pastor Asks for Prayer Band Earlier this year, Pastor Bike pleaded with VOM staff to ask Christians to pray for...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzQ%3d Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:06:21 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzQ%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzU%3d Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:06:21 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzU%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzE%3d Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:04:29 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzE%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzA%3d Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:59:23 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NzA%3d Add one more China Olympic Prayer Band to the 500,000 given by VOM supporters to raise awareness of persecuted Christians. Just 24 hours ago, President George Bush received a prayer bracelet from Bob Fu, president of China Aid Association. Read the official White House story. President Expresses Concerns about China Bob and four other Chinese human rights advocates met with President Bush in a room usually reserved for diplomats. White...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=Njk%3d Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:54:56 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=Njk%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=Njg%3d Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:53:53 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=Njg%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NjY%3d Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:44:05 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NjY%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=Njc%3d Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:50:15 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=Njc%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NjQ%3d Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:35:16 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NjQ%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NjM%3d Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:27:52 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NjM%3d In case you have not visited VOM’s Bibles Unbound Web site recently, I wanted to highlight the new Covert Operations. A covert operation provides a unique opportunity to provide New Testaments into closed or hostile areas where mailing Bibles is not possible. This is a great addition to Bibles Unbound. In these dangerous, hostile or closed areas, Bibles are delivered by believers who are aware of the challenges of getting the Word of God...]]> http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NjU%3d Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:42:24 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NjU%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NjI%3d Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:17:47 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NjI%3d http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NjE%3d Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:41:03 PST http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NjE%3d Nearly 500,000 Olympic Prayer Bands have been requested to date. The Voice of the Martyrs is processing the orders as fast as possible. We are so thankful for the tremendous support from Christians in the USA who are willing to pray for their persecuted brothers and sisters in China during the Olympics. If you have already requested prayer bands, please be assured VOM will get them to you as fast as possible. If you would like to place an order,...]]>