Nigeria: Islamic extremists Kill 134 Christians in Nigeria.
The Terrorists in the country’s middle belt state of Benue killed 134 Christians in the first week of April, including a Pastor, sources said.
Rev. Yakubu Shuaibu of the Church of the Brethren was killed in Borno state by terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). They also shot and wounded his pregnant wife, who was receiving treatment at Biu General Hospital.
“Militants from the Fulani, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and others conduct raids on Christian communities, killing, maiming, raping and kidnapping for ransom or sexual slavery,”
Nigeria’s government continues to deny this is religious persecution, so violations of Christians’ rights are carried out with impunity.”
Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors’ 2023 World Watch List (WWL)
Please Pray:
- Nigerian Christians to be strong amidst such challenges.
- Please pray for the protection of Christians in vulnerable areas.
- For the victims of violence and families who have lost their loved ones.
- Pray against this spirit of Terrorism and violence attacking the nation.
Source: Morning Star News.
Pakistan: A Christian widow arrested on blasphemy charges.
According to recent reports, A Christian widow was arrested after she was accused of burning papers containing Koranic verses. The Christian woman who was working in Government School was asked to clean a storeroom of documents and was accused of intentionally burning papers containing Koranic verses. Even though she is illiterate, the people in the town incited mob violence demanding her arrest.
The “blasphemy law” allows the death penalty for anyone who insults Mohammed, and life in prison for anyone who damages a Quran. Extremists use this law to falsely accuse innocent people. They stir up religious frenzy so the crowd enforces the punishment. Enemies of Christ vandalize or destroy churches, beat, murder, abduct, rape, or force conversion on Christians and other minorities.
Rights groups say hundreds of people are languishing in prison accused of blasphemy as judges delay trials, fearing retribution against themselves.
Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors’ 2023 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, up from eighth the previous year.
Pray for The Assemblies of God in Pakistan.
Even amidst such persecution, Pakistani Christians love their nation and want it to prosper. The work of AG is growing amidst such hardships and the AG Superintendent of Pakistan, Rev. Zia Paul requests prayer for:
- The Political turmoil and internal strife which is causing instability in the government.
- Terrorism is increasing again countrywide causing fear and uncertainty.
- Inflation and the high cost of living cause severe difficulties for the poor to survive.
- Pray for the Church for a sovereign move of God bringing unity and effective outreach to the Muslim People.
Pakistan is the third most populous Moslem Nation with 240 Million people and has the 3rd largest Unreached People Groups – 394.
Source: Morning Star.