Berita NECF Newletters

Looking Out Looking Up

Description: Eritrea / Indonesia / Laos / Nigeria / Iran / Vietnam

Looking Out Looking Up

ERITREA

There have been more incidents of persecution involving the Protestant evangelical minority. Back in 2002, the Eritrean government had closed down all independent religious groups not operating under the Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran or Sunni Muslim faiths. These are the only religious groups recognised by the government and those practicing other religions face imprisonment. Human rights groups have reported violations of the right to freedom of religion by the state through indefinite detention without charges.

PRAY - for Eritrean Christians to be faithful in their witness and for God to work in transforming the nation despite the difficulties. - OD

 

INDONESIA

Acts of intolerance increased in 2011. The Indonesia Protestant Church Union counted 54 acts of religious freedom violations against Christians last year, compared to 30 acts in 2010. These include church closures and harassment during Christmas services. These acts are allegedly instigated by certain groups who whip up anti-Christian sentiments where none existed before. At the same time, intolerance grew against other minority religions including Muslim sects, from 198 cases in 2010 to 276 in 2011. Interfaith organisations in Indonesia have criticized the government for inaction.

PRAY - for law enforcement authorities to act justly and without bias. For the government to be God-fearing and to uphold the rule of law and Indonesia's Pancasila which emphasises justice and humanity. - CD

 

LAOS

Seven Christian leaders were arrested in Dec 2011 for holding a Christmas service in Boukham village. The village chief had asked the authorities to raid the house where the service was being held. The Christians were accused of having offended the village's traditional spirit religion. They have been asked to admit guilt but have resisted. They remain in prison and need prayer to remain strong in their faith.

PRAY - for their release and for a time of experiencing close communion with God even while in prison. For believers who face opposition from village members and the authorities. - HRW

 

NIGERIA

Christians in the northeastern part of the country have been caught in the crossfire between the Boko Haram militant sect which seeks to overthrow the central government in favour of a syariah state. Since the Christmas Day 2011 bombings at two churches which killed around 40 people, Christians in the largely Muslim north of the country have come under more attacks. After the bombings, Nigeria's Christian president declared a state of emergency which the militants took as an opportunity to give an ultimatum to all Christians to leave the north. More attacks have followed after the New Year's Day ultimatum and the Christian community there is reportedly split between taking up arms in self-defence, while others believe they must steadfastly turn the other cheek even in the face of death.

PRAY - for political will, courage and the right strategies for the central government to reign in the militants. For divine intervention against further attacks. For Christians as they struggle with the dilemma of taking up arms, and for God's perfect peace to fill their hearts and cast out all fears. - VOM, BBC

 

IRAN

Imprisoned since 2009 for apostasy and sentenced to death, Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani's appeal against his sentence in Sept 2011 remains in limbo. The judge presiding over his appeal has delayed his verdict which religious watch groups say is an excuse to make the international community "forget" about Nadarkhani. They also believe that he is being deliberately kept in prison pending the verdict to force him to recant Christianity. Christian watch groups say the world must not forget Nadarkhani and must continue to pile international pressure on Iran by writing to its embassies and lobbying their respective governments.

PRAY - for Nadarkhani's conviction to be overturned. Pray that he will remain steadfast and joyful under the circumstances in prison. Pray that God will protect and provide for his family. - VOM

 

VIETNAM

A gang of men attacked a group of pastors and leaders from Agape Baptist Church who were meeting at a house at Lai Tao village near Hanoi in November 2011. One pastor was left unconscious and several more were injured, including women and teenagers. The gang also ransacked the home, smashing chairs, overturning a pulpit and removing a cross before throwing it into a nearby pond. They also stole the pastors' valuables and smashed some of their motorcycles. While Vietnam's policies towards religion have become more tolerant over the years, gangs are reportedly employed to incite anti-Christian sentiments and to carry out attacks. Perpetrators are rarely identified much less prosecuted.

PRAY - for Vietnam, that as it grows and prospers economically, it will also grow in democratic maturity, justice and fairness for all citizens. Pray that Christian leaders, their families and congregations will not be discouraged but continue to labour for the sake of the Gospel. - CD



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