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The Persecution & Prayer Alert
The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada
www.persecution.net
Wednesday, May 21, 2008

A weekly news digest on the Persecuted Church and how you can respond.

"Remember Them" -- find out how. Go to www.rememberthem.ca.

Subscribe to the RSS feed at www.persecution.net/pnp.xml.
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In this week's edition: Reports from Algeria, China, Nigeria and India.
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1. Six Christians Charged in Algeria

Algerian authorities have charged six Christians with distributing "illegal religious material" after detaining them as they left a prayer meeting at a western city on May 9, according to a May 15 report from Compass Direct. Prior to the Christians' release from detention in Tiaret, they were charged with "distributing documents to shake the faith of Muslims." During their overnight stay at a local police station, officers repeatedly threatened the believers with violence for converting from Islam to Christianity. The first court hearing is scheduled for May 27.

Pray for these Algerian Christians to find peace in Christ in the midst of pressure and opposition for their faith in Him (Philippians 4:7). Pray that God will embolden Christians in Algeria to spread the Gospel in their nation.

For more information on the persecution facing Algeria's Christians, go to www.persecution.net/country/algeria.htm.
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2. A Prominent House Church Leader Detained in China

Pastor Lou Yuanqi, a prominent house church leader in the town of Qingshuihe, Xinjiang province was detained at approximately 1:00 p.m. on May 16, according to a May 19 report from China Aid Association. After being interrogated for an hour in the township police station, Yuanqi was transferred to a detention centre and charged with "inciting separatism." The pastor has been previously arrested several times. This is the first instance, however, of him being placed under criminal detention which means that he will likely face a serious indictment in court.

Pray for Pastor Yuanqi to experience the joy and peace of Christ while he suffers (Acts 5:41). Pray for Chinese house church leaders to stand in God's grace as they continue to face pressure from the authorities.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in China, go to www.persecution.net/country/china.htm.
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3. Teenage Girls Kidnapped By Muslims; Rescue Incites Rampage in Nigeria

On May 12, the police rescued two Christian girls, Mary Chikwodi Okoye (15) and Uche Edward (14), who were kidnapped by Muslim militants three weeks ago in the town of Ningi, Bauchi state, according to a May 19 report from Compass Direct. The kidnappers initially took the girls to the house of a Muslim leader in the town of Wudil. Okoye's foster father and a group of believers heard where the girls were being held. When they arrived at the home, however, the girls had been relocated to the residence of a Muslim leader in Ningi. When the team went to this home they were told by the leader that the girls had converted to Islam and could not be released. The police then stepped in and evacuated the girls to eastern Nigeria where they were reunited with their biological parents.

The following day, Muslims associated with a paramilitary arm of Kano state's Sharia Commission went on a rampage, attacking Christians and setting fire to local churches, in protest of the girls' release. Six church buildings -- the Deeper Life Bible Church, St. Mary's Catholic Church, All Souls Anglican Church, Church of Christ in Nigeria, Redeemed Christian Church of God, and the Redeemed Peoples Mission -- were destroyed in the attack. The Muslims also attacked shops belonging to Okoye's foster father, looting and destroying goods worth over 50 million naira ($430,360 CAD).

Thank the Lord that Mary and Uche were safely released. Ask God to strengthen those affected by the mob attack to remain steadfast as they suffer (Revelation 2:10). Pray that young Christian girls in Nigeria who have been kidnapped by Muslims will remain strong in faith and be freed.

For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Nigeria, go to www.persecution.net/country/nigeria.htm. Go to www.persecution.tv for a preview of VOMC's new DVD, "Nigerian Voices: Testimonies of the Persecuted."
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4. Christian Beaten by Militants in Maharashtra, India

A Christian worker was beaten by Hindu militants in the district of Yavatmal, Maharashtra state on May 13, according to a May 13 report from All India Christian Council. Shrikant Chandekar, who works with Maharashtra Village Ministries, was holding a prayer meeting in his home when approximately 30 Hindu militants arrived and demanded that he stop the gathering. When he refused to do so, they severely beat him.

Pray for healing for Shrikant. Thank the Lord for his example of standing firm in Christ. Pray that the bold faith of Christians in Maharashtra will be a light that draws others to Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16).

For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to www.persecution.net/country/india.htm.
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5. Trial Date Set for Uygur Christian in China

The trial date of Alimujiang Yimiti, a Uygur Christian who was arrested on January 12 and accused of "endangering national security" (see www.persecution.net/news/china210.html for more details), has been set for May 27 in Kashi, according to a May 14 report from China Aid Association. Yimiti's wife and his two children are hoping for a fair trial that will result in his unconditional release.
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The Persecution & Prayer Alert is a ministry of The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada. (Mailing address: P.O. Box 117, Port Credit, Mississauga, Ontario L5G 4L5)
Tel. (905) 670.9721. Website: www.persecution.net
Editor: Glenn Penner