开云体育

"These dark souls need mercy.
So I am patient, work on it solemnly,
Which is like examining souls."
~ Chinese church leader Dai Zhichao, recounting
his persecution in the poem,?Examine Souls

NIGERIA: Murderous Raid on Church Service

Sources: Christianity Today, Morning Star News,?BBC, PM?News, The Nation

Believers gather for worship despite the constant dangers they face. Photo: World Watch Monitor ?

At least one worshipper was killed and 60 kidnapped after gunmen raided the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Kakau Daji village, Kaduna, on October 31st. The church members had gathered for worship when the attackers suddenly entered the building and opened fire. An uncertain number of Christians were also injured in the attack. Upon fleeing the building, dozens were taken captive by the assailants.

Speaking of the attack, Rev. Joseph Hayab, the chairman of the Kaduna chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, referred to this latest incident as "another sad story" in which no one knows who the next target will be. While lamenting the rise of violent attacks in the nation, he remarked, "Citizens are being killed like chickens with only press statements as consolation."

Many Nigerians have called on the government to declare those responsible for the recurrent attacks across the country as "terrorists." However, government leaders have rejected this appeal, arguing that there is a need to follow due process. Such inaction has led to calls for the authorities to "separate war against enemies of Nigerians from politics." For more reports addressing the suffering of Christians in Nigeria, go to our?.

Please pray that God will greatly comfort our Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ who are mourning the loss of their dear loved one due to this recent attack, heal and strengthen those who have been injured, and provide protection and courage to those who were kidnapped. May Nigeria's governing leaders and security forces take proactive steps against the ongoing crisis, bringing an end to the violence that's plaguing the country. In the meantime, prayerfully uphold all Christians throughout the nation, asking the Lord to use them as instruments of His love and peace as they seek to spread the light of Christ amid the darkness of terrorism.

INDIA: Politician Claims Associating with Religious Minorities "Will Destroy You"

Sources: International Christian Concern,?UCA?News, Hindustan Times

Pray that Christians in India will be encouraged by the Lord’s faithfulness. Photo: World Watch Monitor ?

A member of the legislature in Madhya Pradesh is facing backlash from religious minority leaders after cautioning Hindus from keeping company with Christians or Muslims. Rameshwar Sharma, a member of the ruling?BJP?Hindu nationalist party, even urged Hindus to stop using the phrase, "Good morning," a greeting he associates with Western culture and Christianity. The comments were made while Sharma was speaking at an annual Hindu festival on October 17th.

Religious leaders have expressed concerns about this prevalent attitude among members of the?BJP?since such comments serve only to drive a wedge between communities. Catholic archbishop Leo Cornelio said that the remarks "hurt the sentiments of peace-loving people" and divert from important issues such as illiteracy, malnutrition and unemployment.

Opposing politicians have asked for clarification from the party. In response, the?BJP?leader, Rajneesh Agrawal, referred to the comments as Sharma's personal opinion, saying that "he was just warning people against conversion" and that "he did not insult any community."

Anti-minority statements have frequently fuelled religious intolerance in India, resulting in increased attacks against Christians and their places of worship. In October, one report recounted over 300 instances of persecution against India's Christian community within the first nine months of 2021. For previously posted news reports, and/or to view video documentaries about the persecution of Christians in India, visit our?.

Amid the heightened persecution, pray that Christians throughout India will demonstrate the character and response of Christ through their everyday lives?(Galatians 5:22-23). Ask the Lord to fill those who are facing daily opposition for their religious beliefs with enduring strength and patience. May He also work mightily in the hearts of their persecutors, including the nation's political leaders, giving them a revelation of Christ's sovereignty, so they too will come to salvation through faith in Him.

REPORT UPDATE

CHINA: Ongoing Persecution of the Early Rain Covenant Church

Sources: ChinaAid, Church in Chains, Early Rain Covenant Church

Dai Zhichao and his family Photo: ChinaAid ?

Since the Early Rain Covenant Church (ERCC) was raided in December 2018, leading to dozens of arrests, the opposition of government agents has been relentless. (For previous reports revealing the ongoing difficulties experienced by the members of this prominent church in Chengdu,?.) While the church as a whole is no longer able to meet together,?ERCC?members continue to gather in small groups.

One small group of the church called "Tashui" has been particularly targeted in recent months. In August, police arrested more than 20 members of the group (). A?Tashui?member, Shu Qiong, was beaten and threatened by police on three separate occasions. During the most recent incident, which took place on October 29th, more than ten officers broke through the door of the Christian woman's home while her son was studying with six other children. The boy was thrown out of the way, causing him to fall and cut his head. When Shu tried to intervene, she too was physically pushed down, resulting in the breaking of her jaw.

The leader of?Tashui, Dai Zhichao, has also faced repeated harassment from the authorities over the past year. Officials have detained and beat him numerous times for his participation in church activities. On October 17th, he was detained alongside his wife and two children. The police accused them of being members of a cult and demanded that they move from their home. When the family was released late that night, they returned to find that their apartment had been vandalized and the door locks filled with glue.

A week later, their door was spray-painted and the locks again were filled with glue. The police even rented the apartment next door to Dai and his family in order to more closely monitor them. On November 1st, the Christians attempted to leave for a family vacation, only to be detained in their home, causing them to miss their flight.

In a separate incident, on November 1st, police officers visited the home of an elderly couple who were also members of the?ERCC. In an unusual turn of events, the officers moved right into their home in order to maintain full-time monitoring. No legal documents or warrants were presented. This couple had previously tried assisting other?ERCC?members, Shen Bing and Li Xiaofeng, who recently moved back to the city of Chengdu where they encountered persecution by the authorities. The elderly couple's assistance led to the face-to-face monitoring.

On a more positive note, the?ERCC?has reported that Jiang Rong, the wife of Pastor Wang Yi, was finally able to visit her husband in prison for the first time since his arrest in December 2018. Jiang reports that although Wang has lost weight, he is healthy and pleased that prison guards are allowing him to read. A representative of the pastor's family and their church reports that they were greatly encouraged by the recent visit: "Although we know little about it, we believe that the Lord protects His servant in the dark. May the Lord grant Pastor Wang Yi the opportunity to read Scripture, write articles and...intercede for churches."

Continue to pray for Pastor Wang and the other members of the?ERCC?who are presently imprisoned for their faith in Christ. In fact, may God protect, encourage and strengthen all of His children in China who are enduring harassment from the authorities. Furthermore, as the government agents are frequently in close contact with the Christians being monitored, please pray that they will have opportunities to hear the Gospel message, know the love of Christ first-hand and, as a result, experience a radical transformation of their hearts through the power of God's saving grace.