Praying for the persecuted church 2017-18 by Barnabas Fund

Praying for the Persecuted Church 2018

barnabasfund.org

This booklet is provided to inspire and focus your prayers for our Lord’s suffering people. Most pages are dedicated to a particular country where Christians experience discrimination, harassment or violence for His sake, giving background information and suggestions for prayer. Some pages focus on a particular group of persecuted believers, and the final page encourages us to rejoice in the glorious hope that we have in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, a hope that can sustain us all in our trials for Him. Some Christians like to observe the traditional season of Lent to prepare themselves for Good Friday and Easter Day. The booklet has been structured for use during this time, with a page for every day from Ash Wednesday 14 February to Easter Day 1 April. A reading plan for this period can be found on the inside back cover.

Published by Barnabas Aid Inc. 6731 Curran St, McLean, Virginia 22101, USA

Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations are taken from the New International Version®. Unless otherwise stated, images are © Barnabas Aid Inc. Front cover: Christians in India at prayer.

Creative Commons image sources: Page 21: Ggia, “Syrian and Iraqi immigrants getting off a boat from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos” 30 October, 2015, via Wikimedia, Creative Commons License Page 24: Jean-Marc Astesana, “Koutoubia mosque” 5 June, 2006, via Flickr, Creative Commons License Page 28: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, “Visitors bowing in a show of respect for North Korean leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il on Mansudae (Mansu Hill) in Pyongyang, North Korea” 16 March, 2014, via Wikimedia, Creative Commons License Page 31: Mark Jhomel, “A building in Marawi is set ablaze by airstrikes carried out by the Philippine Air Force” 15 June, 2017, via Wikimedia, Creative Commons License

Page 34: Jonathan Alpeyrie, “A unit of ONLF rebels move from one location to another after being surrounded for a week on a hill top” 1 October, 2006, via Wikimedia, Creative Commons License Page 44: Nicolai Bangsgaard, “Ashgabat, Turkmenistan” 22 August, 2006, via Flickr, Creative Commons License Page 45: Ekrem Canli, “Registan square after sunset in Samarkand/Uzbekistan” 5 August, 2012, via Wikimedia, Creative Commons License Page 46: Dragfyre, “A propaganda poster in Da Nang, Vietnam” 29 January, 2011, via Wikimedia, Creative Commons License Page 47: Rod Waddington, “Sana’a, Yemen” 15 August, 2013, via Flickr, Creative Commons License

he Easter Story reminds us that salvation may not come in ways we expect. Many of Jesus’ disciples – who had walked, talked and eaten with the man they called “teacher” throughout his three-year ministry – still expected salvation to come by the sword. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the adulation of the crowds, they saw a Messiah who would overturn Roman rule and reestablish the Kingdom of God. They missed, or chose to ignore, the fact that Jesus was fulfilling the Zechariah’s prophecy that Israel’s king would come to them “righteous and victorious” but also “lowly and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). Days later, they fled when the man they thought would be king was hauled before the authorities, beaten, and accused of blasphemy and high treason against the emperor (majestas). When Jesus was crucified under a sign that read “King of the Jews,” they could not begin to imagine the greater purpose that would snatch victory from the jaws of death. To be arrested on trumped-up charges, beaten, spat upon and accused is an experience endured by many believers around the world today. They follow in their Saviour’s footsteps in ways we may never be called to; some of them are faithful even to death. Our persecuted brothers and sisters encounter discrimination – that often keeps them locked in poverty – and abuse, which is frequently physical. They live out the exhortation from the

letter of James: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” In the face of their suffering, it could be all too easy to respond as the disciples did to Jesus’ – to turn away, even perhaps to deny Him, like Peter. Yet, many of the countless suffering believers, aided by the work of Barnabas Fund, have testified that simply knowing that their fellow Christians, in other countries far away, who are aware of what they are going through, sending practical help and standing with them in prayer, is a huge encouragement. The salvation won by Jesus through His death and resurrection secured once and for all an eternal destiny for every believer, but Christ’s victory is both now and not yet. While we stand firm in the knowledge of a sure and certain hope, we continue to live in a fallen and broken world that has yet to be redeemed; where evil still wars against the people of God and where we are called to suffer as soldiers for Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Salvation has still not yet come in the way the disciples expected. The weeks leading up to Easter Sunday are a journey from anguish to hope, from suffering to salvation and, ultimately, from death to life. As we consider the journey of Jesus, we can walk with our persecuted brothers and sisters though their anguish and suffering, knowing that the Lord God is with them in the midst of their trial (Zephaniah 3:17) and He is mighty to save.

24 5

Contents 4 Afghanistan

16 Iraq

5 Algeria

17 Kazakhstan

6 Bangladesh

18 Kenya

7 CAR

19 Kyrgyzstan

8 Victims of Violence

20 Laos

9 China

21 Libya

10 Egypt

22 Refugees

11 Eritrea

23 Maldives

12 Holy Land

24 Morocco

13 Indonesia

25 Myanmar

14 Iran

26 Nepal

15 Children

27 Nigeria

17 44

42 12

19 39

28 9

4 26

33 11

46 20 31

47 34

35 23

28 North Korea 29 Pastors & Evangelists

40 Tanzania

30 Pakistan

41 Thailand

31 Philippines

42 Turkey

32 Russia

43 Converts

33 Saudi Arabia

44 Turkmenistan

34 Somalia

45 Uzbekistan

35 Sri Lanka

46 Vietnam

36 Women

47 Yemen

37 Sudan

48 Martyrs

38 Syria

49 Zimbabwe

39 Tajikistan

50 â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Living Hopeâ&#x20AC;?

Afghanistan Barnabas Fund Projects include: Needy and persecuted Afghan Christians around the world (01-901)

fghan Christians are all either converts from Islam or the children of converts; they face severe consequences if their faith becomes known. Afghanistan is one of a handful of countries where the law imposes upon converts from Islam the death penalty for apostasy, in accordance with sharia. Their families also disown them and they potentially face murder at the hands of relatives, members of the community, or the Taliban. Only the Lord knows the exact number of Afghan believers living in Afghanistan but it is thought to be around 1,000. There could be many more secret believers. Many have fled abroad In October 2017, US military analysis showed that the government controlled less than two-thirds of the country. Taliban-controlled areas, mainly to the south, ruthlessly enforce sharia and openly target Christians. The militant group Hezb-i-Islami (Islamic Party) has also attacked and killed Christians. Afghanistan’s constitution enshrines Islam as the state religion. For any crimes which are not covered in Afghan legislation the authorities will turn to the sharia for guidance as to how to handle them. Public opinion is vehemently antiChristian. There have been calls in the national parliament for the death penalty for apostates to be enforced. 4

Before Muslim invasions in the seventh century, Afghanistan had a significant Christian population. Although evidence of this heritage has largely been eradicated, a district of Herat is called Injil (“Gospel”) and the cross is still a feature of many Afghan carpet designs. Afghan soldiers destroyed the last church building in 1973, which had served foreign Christians.

The exact number of Afghan Christians is unknown. Converts from Islam potentially face execution by the state, or murder at the hands of relatives, or the Taliban – who control one third of the country Pray that Afghan Christians will know God as their refuge and strength (Psalm 9:9), for God’s protection from persecution and that they will be encouraged by Christian radio and internet ministries. Ask the Lord to provide for Christians who have fled the country and live as refugees.

Algeria Barnabas Fund Projects include: Christian nursery school (02-1045)

lgerian Christians are free to worship, especially in places like Tizi Ouzou which have a relatively large Christian population, but only in registered buildings; registration can be difficult to obtain. The government must approve Christian literature before circulation. The 1990s were Algeria’s “black decade” of bloody civil war against Islamists. This was a very difficult period for the small but growing convert church; they were a target of the Islamists and had to operate underground. But with peace came religious liberty. The 2006 constitution declares Islam the state religion (Article 2) but also declares that “freedom of creed and opinion is inviolable” (Article 36). It allows for freedom of worship, but other laws and policies restrict the practice of this for non-Muslims. Conversion from Islam is not a criminal offence, but those who evangelise Muslims risk a five-year jail sentence. A Christian convert from Islam has been serving a 3-year jail sentence for posting on Facebook that “Jesus overcomes the lies of Islam.” Convicted of “blasphemy” for “offending the Prophet” and “denigrating the creed and precepts of Islam,” he has faced assault and abuse while in prison since 2016. On 8 May 2017, the government moved him to Jijel Prison, an area more heavily populated by Christians,

and granted him a partial presidential pardon that reduced his sentence by 16 months, after appeals from his family. Christianity in Algeria dates back to the early Church, with theologians like Augustine of Hippo (AD 354–430). Christianity was gradually wiped out by the Arab Muslim conquests. Christianity has been re-established in recent generations by conversions from Islam, especially among the Kabyle people (who are Berbers, not Arabs). The number of Algerian Christians today is estimated to be in the high tens of thousands.

Christian children at a Barnabas-funded nursery in Algeria Praise God for the growing Church in Algeria and that believers have relative freedom compared with many convert churches in other countries. Call on the Lord to move the government to allow Christians the freedom to worship anywhere without having to register and also the freedom to share their faith. 5

Bangladesh Barnabas Fund Projects include: Christian schools (04-807) Student ministry (04-640) Rebuilding for Santal Christians (04-1360)

ince the night of 6 November 2016, thousands of Christians from the Santal ethnic minority group, have lived in makeshift tents, after police in riot gear evicted them from their homes in Gaibandah and, aided by local Muslims, set fire to the wooden shacks in which they lived. The Santal were driven out so their land could be used to cultivate sugar cane. Three Christians were killed in the attack. Illegal land-grabs against Christians and Hindus are particularly prevalent in Bangladesh; Christians make up 1% of the population and Hindus around 9%, while 90% are Muslim. Bangladeshâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s constitution gives religious minorities the right to practise and share their faith, but Islam is the state religion and legal efforts by secular groups to overturn its status have been blocked by the High Court. Christians from Muslim backgrounds face discrimination and sometimes violence, especially in rural areas. Some Christians involved in outreach amongst Muslims have been murdered. Although Christians in Bangladesh enjoy greater religious freedom than believers in many other Muslimmajority contexts, there is ongoing pressure for greater Islamisation. Since 2014 there has been a rise in attacks by Islamist extremist groups, including Islamic State, against religious minorities. The trial of Islamist leaders relating to atrocities committed in the

1971 war of independence from Pakistan led to violent protests in 2013, following which Christian homes were torched and a mob attacked a Christian village.

Barnabas Fund is providing 50 new homes on Christian land for the displaced and persecuted Santal Christians who have lived in make-shift tents since November 2016 Ask for the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protection over Christians in Bangladesh, particularly those from Muslim backgrounds who are most at risk, as they boldly share the Gospel with their friends, relatives and neighbours. Pray that the efforts of Islamists to increase the influence and power of Islam will be halted, and that the rights of all of the population to religious freedom will be fully upheld. Give thanks that Barnabas Fund has been able to start a project to build new homes for the Santal Christians from Gaibandah; pray that the joy of the Lord will be their strength (Nehemiah 8:10) as they rebuild their lives.

Central African Republic

hristian communities in the Central African Republic (CAR) continue to be the target of violent attacks, despite a ceasefire agreed between the government and 14 rebel groups in Rome in June 2017. Islamist armed groups such as the Seleka and Fulani militias have attacked Christian communities, their leaders and burned down churches. They have also destroyed Christian homes, killed many, and forced thousands to flee. In August 2017 alone, more than 50 Christians in the central Bambari region were massacred in attacks on Christian communities. Eyewitnesses described how the Muslim militants “fired indiscriminately on the inhabitants.” The UN finds it “highly worrying” that despite the presence of their peacekeeping force (MINUSCA), attacks on Christians have continued with impunity. Christians face regular threats of violence and kidnapping from Muslim Fulani herdsmen and the Lord’s Resistance Army. The CAR is a majority Christian country. Most of the 15% Muslim population are in the north-eastern part of the country bordering Chad and Sudan. The Seleka are a powerful force and, under their leader Michel Djotodia, overthrew the CAR government and held power from 2013-2014. Since then the country has been susceptible to

outbreaks of violence, mostly between the Seleka and the “anti-balaka” militia – who misleadingly call themselves Christians, despite their actions being condemned by church leaders.

Barnabas Fund has provided emergancy aid to Christians displaced by violence in the CAR Pray that the parties to the ceasefire keep to their agreements and reject violence so that there will be peace in the CAR. Pray for Christians, surrounded by many dangers, that their hearts will be filled with a peace that passes understanding and that God may “protect [them] from wicked people who attack [them], from murderous enemies who surround [them]” (Ps 17:9 NLT). Ask that they will respond to what they are enduring in a Christ-like way. Pray especially for church leaders who are a particular target of the Islamist militants (Ps 105: 15). 7

Victims of Violence Barnabas Fund Projects include: Victims of Violence fund (00-345)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Palm Sunday 2017, suicide bombers attacked two major churches in Egypt, killing 45 worshippers and injuring about 100. The threat of violence from Islamists, hostile local communities and the authorities is a fact of everyday life for persecuted Christians in many contexts, especially where national identity is closely identified with a majority religion other than Christianity. Christians are targeted by jihadists such as Boko Haram in Nigeria and Cameroon, Al Shabaab in Somalia, and Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq. Islamist attacks also occur in Pakistan, Tanzania, Bangladesh and Indonesia, amongst others. Christian gatherings in Sri Lanka and Myanmar are often violently disrupted by militant Buddhists, Hindu extremists in India frequently carry out acts of anti-Christian violence, and Christians suffer brutal treatment under former communist regimes. Countries of the former Soviet Union, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, and Sudan have introduced laws that suppress freedom of religion, resulting in violent police raids, arrests, torture, and martyrdom.

Barnabas Fund’s Victims of Violence Fund helps to rebuild shattered lives by providing medical care, legal assistance and places of refuge. When Christians need to make a fresh start, help with small-business start-up costs or vocational training makes it possible. The fund also cares for the families of prisoners and helps Christians who have suffered state-sponsored injustice.

Barnabas Fund has provided trauma counselling to Syrian Christians – some whose family members were murdered for their faith. They can now begin to rebuild their lives and find joy again Lift up in prayer Christians living with the constant threat of violence or injustice simply because of their faith. Ask God to shield all who take refuge in Him (2 Samuel 22:31). Beseech God, the Most High over all the earth (Psalm 97:9) on behalf of Christians making a fresh start, that the Lord will bless them in their new beginnings and keep them safe. Praise God for those who endure injustice and imprisonment, and ask Him to strengthen them and their families.

China Barnabas Fund Projects include: China General Fund (09-780)

hina’s communist government only recognises state-registered churches and officially admits the existence of around 22 million Christians. In reality, there may be as many as 100 million believers in China, most of whom are part of a vibrant unregistered “house church” movement, which is seen as a threat to the avowedly atheist state. All Christians face tight restrictions – which extend to Christian literature and websites – but believers who are part of unregistered congregations are at greater risk of arrest, torture and imprisonment. Outright persecution is usually localised and sporadic, but since Xi Jinping became president of China in 2013, there has been an increase in persecution, particularly of Protestant Christians, as well as Tibetan Buddhists and Muslims from the Hui and Uyghur ethnic groups. In August 2017, authorities notified more than 100 registered churches in the eastern province of Zhejiang that minors would not be permitted to participate in religious activities, including Sunday School or summer camps, even if accompanied by their parents. Christians also face discrimination in employment and are barred from high-level positions in business and government. Writing in the Communist Party magazine, the director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs said party members – who

number 89 million Chinese citizens – “should be firm Marxist atheists, obey party rules and stick to the party’s faith … they are not allowed to seek value and belief in religion.” Any officials who have religious faith should be “persuaded to give it up” and any who resist “punished.”

China is a one-party communist state, led by President Xi Jinping – the 89 million party members have been ordered not to “seek value and belief in religion” Praise God for the continued growth of the Chinese church, during years of discrimination and persecution. Pray that government pressure and persecution of Christians will not worsen further and that believers will be free to worship openly. Lift up believers in prison – some have been detained for many years – experiencing inhumane treatment and sometimes torture. Ask that they be comforted by the presence of the Holy Spirit. 9

Egypt Barnabas Fund Projects include: Needy families (11-220) Support for families of 21 martyrs (11-1240) Christian schools (11-1214)

gypt has become a new front line in the campaign of Islamic State (IS) against Christians. Last year, IS slaughtered a number of Christians in the North Sinai town of Al Arish, and forced over 200 Christian families to flee the town. A few who tried to return were killed. In Minya province, IS murdered 29 and injured 22 Christians – among them children – as they were travelling to a special Christian children’s event. The most devastating attack was on Palm Sunday 2017, when suicide bombers targeted two major churches, killing 45 worshippers and injuring about 100. A Christian soldier was beaten to death in July 2017 on account of his faith. The abduction of Christian women and girls by Muslim men, who then force them to convert to Islam and marry a Muslim, remains a problem. Since the Islamist president, Mohammed Morsi, was ousted in 2013, Christians have endured growing violence at a local level, often focused on church buildings. In Minya alone, at least 16 churches were closed last year by the authorities for “security concerns.” Current President al-Sisi has condemned these attacks on Christians, given help to the injured, and is fulfilling his pledge to repair and rebuild churches destroyed in 2013 by Muslim Brotherhood supporters. Even more positively, in 2016 the government passed laws making it easier for

Christians to gain approval to build new churches, reversing restrictions from the Ottoman era. Christianity is deeply embedded in Egypt’s history, dating back to the first century AD. Despite the later arrival of Islam and centuries of discrimination and persecution, Christians are over 10% of the population.

Barnabas Fund has been supporting Egyptian Christians for 22 years, including providing water pumps for poor Christian families Give thanks for the support of President al-Sisi for Christians and pray that local authorities will exert themselves to rescue abducted Christian women and girls. Pray that Christians will be permitted buildings where they can worship Christ in safety. Call on God to give believers in Egypt the strength to bear the threats and violence from Islamist extremists, enabling them to love and forgive their enemies as Christ commanded.

Eritrea Barnabas Fund Projects include: Eritrean Christian refugees (12-954)

“

were only allowed out in the sun for 30 minutes on Sundays. That was the highlight of our week … when I refused to reveal information about other Christian leaders … they chained my legs together for days and beat me … I suffered a mild stroke that left me partially paralyzed,” says an Eritrean Christian prisoner. Eritrean authorities continue to detain Christians without charge; while in prison they are denied Bibles and prevented from practising their faith. In April 2017 there were almost 3,000 religious prisoners, most of them Christian, although the population is over 50% Muslim. Some prisoners are locked in metal shipping containers and subject to extreme temperatures. Although the Eritrean constitution prohibits religious discrimination and permits freedom of religion, the government refuses to enforce it. The government authorises only three Christian denominations. Other Christian groups are required to register once a year and submit to regular government interference; they face acute discrimination, imprisonment and torture to renounce their faith, and their relatives and associates are pursued. Some who have criticised government interference have been imprisoned – even for 13 years or more. Church ministers are being forced by the government to join the army.

Those who worship in secret risk being denounced by neighbours. Many Christians have fled the country, some going to Israel, where they have encountered harsh treatment. (See page 12) Eritrea has suffered a 30-year war of independence, continuing tensions with Ethiopia, and a repressive Marxist government, which has been in power since independence in 1993. The Orthodox Church Patriarch remains under house arrest since the government deposed him in 2006.

Eritrean Christians face severe persecution. Many have fled the country Call on the Lord on behalf of Eritrean Christians labouring under the yoke of persecution and imprisonment, trusting that He is “concerned about their suffering” (Exodus 3:7) even if we do not know the details. Pray that God will move the Eritrean government to respect the freedom of religion in their country’s constitution. Pray for Eritrean believers who have fled the country; may they find safe havens where they can live safely and worship Christ freely. 11

Holy Land Barnabas Fund Projects include: Christian school, Bethlehem (65-420) Holy Land Fund (65-153) Bibles for Eritrean Christians in Israel (12-1342)

hristians in the Holy Land continue to face discrimination from both Jews and Muslims. In Israel, Christians are around 2% of the population, and ultra-orthodox Jews have targeted Christians, especially those with a Jewish background. Messianic churches have been vandalised. Some Christian leaders and congregations have been spat at and assaulted. There are nearly 40,000 Eritrean refugees, mainly Christians, in Israel, who have fled from persecution in their homeland. They are suffering greatly from the government’s restrictive policies which make it almost impossible for them to earn a living. Some 3,000 Eritrean men at a time are held in the fearsome Holot Detention Centre, in many ways worse than prison, and apparently designed to break their spirits. In the Palestinian territory of the West Bank, Christians face difficult economic conditions and daily discrimination from the Muslim majority. The Gaza strip, the Palestinian territory where over 1.7 million Muslims live, has been controlled since 2007 by Hamas, a Sunni Islamist group with close links to the Muslim Brotherhood. It claims to protect the estimated 1,000 Christians living in the area, but it has attempted to introduce elements of sharia. Many Christians in Gaza live in dire poverty and in fear of violence from

Islamists. An embattled minority, many believers see little choice but to leave. “There are fewer and fewer [Christians]. Those who manage to get out do not come back. They seek peace elsewhere … the church is increasingly empty,” said a Christian leader in Gaza.

St Aphrem’s Christian School in Bethlehem, which is supported by Barnabas Fund, gives children the opportunity to learn in a loving, joyful environment, where they are supported in their faith. The school is highly regarded by the local authorities Ask the Lord Jesus to have mercy on Eritrean Christian refugees in Israel, and that the government will repeal its harsh laws against them and give them hope in the land of His birth. Pray for Palestinian Christians to stand firm in the face of daily harassment and discrimination. Let them draw strength from the knowledge that our Lord suffered and died for them in that very land where they live. Pray especially for the protection of Christians in Gaza.

Indonesia Barnabas Fund Projects include: Church planters (22-828)

ndonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population. Until about a generation ago, Muslims and Christians lived peaceably as equals. This accords with the state-promoted philosophy of religious tolerance and national unity - “Pancasila.” However, in many parts of this vast archipelago nation, this no longer holds true and Christians (who comprise at least 15% of the population) have been facing discrimination, harassment and violence. In 2016, the Christian former governor of the capital Jakarta, “Ahok” Tjahaja Pumama was accused of “blasphemy” under religious defamation laws, after rejecting claims that only a Muslim should be permitted to govern non-Muslims. In May 2017, after a public trial which derailed Pumama’s attempt to secure reelection, he was found guilty and jailed for two years. The leader of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organisation slammed the trial as politically motivated, saying it was “all manipulation” on the part of Islamist groups. In Aceh, where sharia is officially implemented, at least one Christian has been flogged for minor “offences” and Muslim mobs have torched churches. In May 2017, a Sunday school and two churches were shut down in West Java following protests by Islamists, as authorities claimed they could not “guarantee their safety”. The situation

was fuelled by a 2006 law requiring applications for places of worship to be supported by signatures from 60 local non-Christian households. Since the laws were introduced, more than 1,000 church buildings have been closed or demolished. Some previously majority-Christian regions are being gradually Islamised as the government has “transmigrated” Muslims to live in those areas. In November 2000, Islamists attacked Christians in eastern provinces, murdering many thousands and forcing others to convert.

Indonesia Christians lived peaceably as equals with the Muslim majority until about two decades ago, but there has been a sharp rise in discrimination, harassment and violence Pray that the plans of those who seek to Islamise Indonesia will be thwarted and politicians and public figures will strongly advocate a return to the country’s historic practice of equality. Pray for believers in Aceh who live under sharia and who have witnessed mobs burning down churches. Ask that they will have the strength to stand firm in their faith, despite the opposition they face. 13

Iran Barnabas Fund supports many projects to help Iranian Christians. Although we cannot publicise these for security reasons, gifts to the Iran General Fund (19-940) will be used to fund them.

August 2017, an ayatollah from the city of Qom warned that more and more young Iranians were converting to Christianity. Iranian Muslims continue to turn to Christ, despite the fact that Christians are frequently arrested and jailed in terrible conditions, and that apostates from Islam can be executed under sharia law – although the last time this took place in Iran was 1990. Historic Assyrian and Armenian Christian minorities, who have their own languages, are permitted to meet together (although there appears to be a gradual effort to eradicate historical evidence of Iran’s Christian past through the destruction of cemeteries belonging to Christian communities). However, Farsi-speaking Christians, i.e. converts from Islam, are often targeted by security forces. Meetings of Christian converts are raided by authorities, who confiscate Bibles, hymn books and other Christian literature; arrested believers are often detained without charge for extended periods and sometimes tortured. The state does not even recognise their conversion – Christians have been sentenced to whippings for taking communion, in line with sharia laws on drinking alcohol. Iran, a majority Shia Muslim country which has been an Islamic Republic since 1979, is led by an Islamic cleric as Supreme Leader, who

appoints the key judicial and military posts. Hassan Rouhani – a so-called moderate – was re-elected president in 2017, but since he came to power in 2013, the persecution of believers has intensified. Historic Christian communities do have limited political representation, but there were calls for all religious minorities (including Christians) to be barred from running in the 2017 regional elections.

Many Christian converts, including Maryam Zargaren, have spent time in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison Pray especially for Iranian converts like Maryam Zargaran, who was accused of “undermining national security” and spent four deeply traumatising years in jail where she suffered from serious health problems; pray for physical and psychological healing of the scars of captivity and for protection for believers currently imprisoned. Give thanks for those who continue to turn to Christ despite increasing persecution from authorities.

Children Barnabas Fund Projects include: Children’s Fund (00-665) Christian schooling for Christian Children (00-794) Abba Home orphanage, Pakistan (41-1095)

“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26)

30 August 2017, Sharoon Masih, a Pakistani Christian schoolboy, was beaten to death by his Muslim classmates. Such extreme violence is thankfully rare, but for minority Christian children in countries around the world, school is a place where they face hostility and probably pressure to convert to the majority religion. This comes not just from other children, but also from teachers. Christian students can also be marked down or failed in exams. Many other Christian children come from families who are too poor to afford to send them to school at all, often because parents are trapped in poverty due to anti-Christian discrimination, while those who are refugees fleeing persecution, famine or conflict simply have no school to go to. War deprives children of more than just their education. Many are robbed of their childhoods too. Barnabas Fund has helped provide trauma counselling for Syrian Christian children, distressed by the horrors they have seen and experienced in the years of war and persecution. In China and Tajikistan, authorities have banned children from attending Sunday School; the laws apply even

if children are accompanied by their parents. Such restrictions make it harder for children to grow up in the Christian faith. In Pakistan and Egypt, Christian girls may be abducted and raped, compelled to convert to Islam and forced into marriage with a Muslim – often their abductor.

Barnabas funds 101 Christian schools in Pakistan, educating over 9,000 Christian children Pray for the children of persecuted Christian families around the world. Ask the Lord to be their Protector and their Comforter in the face of danger. Ask that God will enable children to break free from the cycle of poverty and illiteracy, and give them a safe and nurturing learning environment. Pray that the Lord will lighten the path of persecuted children, that they will grow up to be faithful men and women of God. Please contact your local Barnabas Fund office for details on how to sponsor a Christian child.

Iraq Barnabas Fund Projects include: Food and basic needs for Christians in Iraq (20-246)

was not just Daesh [Islamic State, IS] who destroyed our homes, it was also our neighbours, the ones we considered our friends … How can we possibly live somewhere we don’t feel welcome or safe?” said an 80-year-old Christian, living in a Christian displaced people’s camp in Erbil, northern Iraq (Kurdistan). Even though Mosul and the surrounding towns have been “liberated” from Islamic State (IS), many Christians remain wary of returning because of the threat of further persecution. A Muslim resident of Mosul said, “If I was a Christian, I wouldn’t go back.” His own home was occupied by victorious Iraqi security forces and he recalls, “neighbours told us to take the house of a Christian who used to live four doors down.” Christians’ homes have been occupied, destroyed and in some cases fraudulently sold, as has happened to Christian properties in Baghdad – many families who have fled to other countries or are displaced within Iraq have nowhere to return to. More than 75% of Iraq’s Christian population (around 1.5 million believers in 1990) have left the country due to anti-Christian violence which began after the 1990-1 Gulf War and intensified after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003. Such violence included murders, kidnappings and attacks on church buildings and Christian-owned businesses. The conquest of Iraq’s

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historic main Christian region by IS in 2014 then triggered a mass exodus. The Christians who remain face an uncertain future, in a country led by a fragmented Shia government, which is not supported by many minority Sunnis. Even government officials have admitted that a generation of Muslims, inspired by a “culture of hate” refuse to peacefully coexist with Christians.

Many Iraqi believers remain in Christian refugee camps; the escalating conflict between the Iraqi and Kurdish governments is making their long term future even more insecure Lift up the many Iraqi Christian refugees and displaced believers who, having fled a genocide, can no longer imagine a future in the country which was once their home. Pray that the Lord will watch over His people who have suffered so much and guide them into the future.

Kazakhstan Barnabas Fund Projects include: Church buildings (24-1338) Children’s Christian magazine in Central Asia (80-664)

azakhstan is around 70% Muslim with a large Christian minority estimated at 26%. Many of the Christians are from a Russian background, but some are ethnic Kazakhs who have converted from Islam to Christianity. Protestant Christians, and especially those from a Muslim background, are viewed with great distrust. There is a secular constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion and from independence in 1995 until 2010 the situation for Christians (apart from former Muslims) was relatively easy. However, 2010 legislation designed to prevent terrorism and religious extremism has greatly reduced religious freedom. The 2010 law, together with subsequent amendments, has increased restrictions on registered Christian organisations (including churches). Expected further legislation might hinder the ability of churches to hold meetings outside of church buildings and require churches to register buildings they use. It is unlawful to challenge anyone’s religious beliefs. Harsh action has been taken against unregistered and registered religious activities especially outside of church buildings. Most evangelical congregations find it very difficult to get registration; unless they are registered all their activity is illegal. Christians are therefore subjected to police raids on

meetings and homes; fines, detention and imprisonment; seizure of church equipment and Christian literature; and the closure of church buildings. A government commission began reviewing the legislation in September 2017, investigating such issues as extremism, “destructive” religious movements, protecting children and respecting individuals’ religious views and cultural beliefs. In practice, the 2010 law has amounted to criminalising evangelism. The commission did not accept Christians’ proposals regarding 61 draft amendments to the 2010 law that at the time of writing are being considered.

Christians comprise around 26% of the population, but evangelical churches find it very difficult to get registration Pray that the Church in Kazakhstan will not become inward looking, but reach out fearlessly to spread the Gospel to the Kazakh nation. Ask that God will strengthen those suffering persecution at the hands of the authorities, that they may persevere (James 1:2) and “commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (1 Peter 4:19). Pray that restrictions on religious freedoms in Kazakhstan will be lifted. 17

Kenya Barnabas Fund Projects include: Support for Kenyan missionaries (25-017)

a May 2017 video, Al Shabaab threatened more targeted violence against Kenya’s Christians. Two months later, the jihadists stormed Jima village, in Lamu County, beheading nine Christians. Going “from house to house, dragging out men,” said an eyewitness, they “isolated people and asked their faith and killed Christians.” In further attacks in August and September Al Shabaab beheaded seven more Christians. Since Kenyan troops were deployed as part of the African Union force in Somalia in 2011, Somalia-based Al Shabaab has carried out a series of terror attacks in the country, mainly targeting Christians. Kenya is 80% Christian, and most of the 10% Muslim minority inhabit the coastal and north-eastern parts of the country. Historically, the two groups have lived together without violence, although tensions are now rising because of terrorist attacks over the last three years, and a rise in militant Islam. The Kenyan constitution enshrines religious freedom and prohibits religious discrimination. There are concerns over a 2012 education law that allows the government to seize church buildings and turn them into public schools. In 2016, the government proposed plans to require religious societies – including churches – to compile annual memberships, declare all ministry and charity activities, and require any

preacher to first obtain a “good conduct” certificate from the police. Thankfully, these proposals were quickly withdrawn following lobbying from a cross-section of religious leaders. Christians are also wary of potential legal discrimination, due to Muslims being granted permission to use Islamic (khadi) courts in some civil cases.

Somali-based terror group Al Shabaab continues to target Kenyan Christians. When they attacked the Kenyan village of Jima in one incident last year, the militants dragged out men from their homes, asked their faith, and killed any Christians. Beseech the Lord for the defeat of Al Shabaab and the end of their campaign of terror against Christians in Kenya. Pray that the Kenyan church remains vigilant over the use of khadi courts, and ensures that they do not curtail religious freedoms. Ask the Lord to guide all our brothers and sisters in Kenya, that they may let their “light shine before others, that they may see [their] good deeds and glorify [their] Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Kyrgyzstan Barnabas Fund Projects include: Church Buildings (26-895) Bible training (26-1099)

hristians in Kyrgyzstan have faced a dramatic reduction in their freedoms in recent years, and the influence of Islam is increasing. The government has proposed amendments to tighten still further the already restrictive 2009 Religion Law. The many Muslim-background Christians also face harassment and persecution from family and community, especially in rural mountainous areas. The 2009 Religion law means Christians can be fined for unregistered religious activity but simultaneously makes it very difficult for them to register and thus function legally. Therefore, many Christians are acting illegally whenever they gather together for prayer or worship. Converts from Islam find it very hard to get work, because Islamists now own many businesses. They employ only Muslims and require their staff to obey their employers regarding religious practice. Emigration is affecting the economy and also the church, as church leaders leave the country in search of work. In 2017, there was an increase in the harassment and persecution of Christian children in school. A pastorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandson was severely beaten at school for being a Christian. In Kyrgyz culture there is great concern about what happens to the body after death, converts fear being given Muslim funerals because there is only one cemetery for them in the whole country.

Proposed amendments to tighten up the 2009 Religion Law include banning the sharing of beliefs in public, censoring all religious literature, and making it even harder for church congregations to get the registration they need in order to operate legally.

The Kyrgyz government is proposing to further tighten already restrictive religion laws which make it illegal for Christians to gather without registration; pictured are Kyrgyz believers taking part in a Bible study Ask the Lord to raise up new Christian leaders in Kyrgyzstan. Pray that they will be able to stand firm in the face of persecution and that leaders who have left the country will return. Pray for Christian children who face persecution at school that the presence and comfort of the Holy Spirit will be very real to them. Bring to the Lord also the many Christians who cannot get work to support their families unless they deny Christ; ask that they will continue to be faithful and that our heavenly Father will provide for them. 19

Laos Barnabas Fund Projects include: Laos General Fund (90-740)

aos’ approximately 150,000 Christians are targeted both at a local level and by the government. Locally, they are subjected to harassment and violence, while the government imposes tight restrictions on religious activity. In 2016, the communist government introduced new laws governing religious practice. Under the new legislation, religious organisations continue to be required to register with the government. Churches have to get approval to conduct services and to import printed or electronic literature. The laws also require them to refrain from disturbing the “social order” or “national harmony.” While Buddhists enjoy comparative religious freedom in some parts of the country, local officials are typically highly suspicious of Christians, partly because of a perceived connection with the West. Some believers from the Hmong ethnic minority have been evicted from their land and homes for refusing to renounce their faith. Christians from ethnic minorities have also been denied access to medical care and education. Christians imprisoned for their faith, especially pastors and evangelists, are sometimes tortured. Congregations that are not able to complete the onerous registration requirements can find it very hard to meet, as local authorities have been to known to ban house churches. Authorities have also

confiscated Bibles from Christians, even from those belonging to registered congregations. Laos is one of the poorest countries in south-east Asia. Around 80% of the seven million population, which is mainly Buddhist, works in agriculture.

Laos has an officially secular, communist government, but while Buddhists (pictured) enjoy comparative religious freedom in some parts of the country, local officials are typically highly suspicious of Christians, partly because of a perceived connection with the West Pray for believers in Laos that, despite harassment and violence from local authorities and the threat of imprisonment, they will boldly proclaim the truth of their Saviour without fear, knowing that the Lord is on their side (Psalm 118:6). Pray that restrictions that require churches to register will be lifted and that Christians will be able to freely access the Scriptures.

Libya

ibya’s interim constitution (2011) declares Islam the state religion and uses sharia as the principal source of legislation, but claims to guarantee non-Muslims the freedom to practise their religion and prohibits religious discrimination. The UN-backed Government of National Accord’s (GNA) policies contradict these claims. The government seems to be either unwilling or powerless to investigate crimes against religious minorities. The Christian presence is mainly comprised of foreign migrant workers and refugees, but there are also a small number of indigenous Libyan converts. Islamists target them for killing, kidnap, forceful conversion, and sale in what the U.N.’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM) calls “modern-day slave markets.” Most of the refugees hail from West African countries or from Eritrea, and are trying to reach Europe via Libya. In August 2016, Islamic State (IS) abducted more than 500 Christian refugees, and sold at least 63 of the women after forcefully converting, raping, and enslaving them. The previous year they had beheaded 21 Egyptian Christians on a Libyan beach. The country has been beset by chaos and civil war since the overthrow of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with two major factions claiming legitimacy. The parliament based in Tobruk has refused to recognise the GNA. The powerful Libyan National Army (LNA) only recognises the authority of the

parliament. Militant Islamist groups like IS have filled the power vacuum and built a strong presence in the country; there are now estimated to be almost 2,000 such groups. In December 2016, the GNA drove IS out of Sirte, with help from US airstrikes, while the LNA managed to do the same in Benghazi in July 2017. The ousted jihadists moved into the deserts of southern Libya to regroup.

Refugees have been targeted by Islamists and unscrupulous people traffickers in Libya; among those in Libya are many Christians fleeing persecution Cry out to the Lord to protect our brothers and sisters in Libya, especially those who have left Islam to follow Him. Ask the King of kings and Lord of Lords to grant Libya peace, justice, freedom and stability. Put the militant Islamist groups in your prayers, asking that the scales will fall from their eyes that they might meet Jesus Christ for themselves. 21

Refugees and Internally Displaced People Barnabas Fund Projects include: Refugees Fund (00-1120) Operation Safe Havens (00-1199)

“My God … He is my stronghold, my refuge and my saviour – from violent people you save me.” (2 Samuel 22:3)

any Christians have to flee from persecution or anti-Christian violence, sometimes escaping with nothing but their lives. Boko Haram attacks have caused hundreds of thousands of Christians to flee to IDP (internally displaced people) camps in Nigeria. Here, the spectre of violence and discrimination in aid distribution follows them. South Sudanese Christian refugees who cannot reach Uganda, end up in (north) Sudan, whose government refuses to give them food aid (unless they convert to Islam) and forbids churches from helping them either. Eritrean Christian refugees in Israel are finding it almost impossible to make a living due to the government’s restrictive policies designed, the Eritreans believe, to break their spirits and force them from the country. Hundreds of thousands of Syrian and Iraqi Christians have fled from genocidal violence at the hands of Islamic State and other Islamist militant groups. They dare not seek refuge in normal refugee or displaced camps for fear of further persecution by Muslims living in the camps. Western governments and the UN mainly refuse to recognise the particular

suffering of Christians or to grant them asylum on that basis. In 2016, the UK accepted only 27 Christians out of 7,499 Syrian refugees, despite them being ten percent of the Syrian population and persistent targets of Islamic State and other jihadists. Barnabas Fund’s Refugees Fund gives practical help to thousands of Christian IDPs and refugees. Operation Safe Havens, launched in 2015, has so far rescued 2,550 Christians from Syria and Iraq, safely resettling them in Australia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Canada and Brazil.

Barnabas Fund has come to the aid of thousands of Christian refugees fleeing the conflict in eastern Ukraine Lift up in prayer all Christians who are refugees in other countries or displaced within their own country. Pray that God will be their refuge and a strong tower (Psalm 61:3). Ask Him to watch over all dispossessed Christians, that they will know His comfort and peace and be assured by Him of their heavenly homeland, where the Lord has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:16).

Maldives

he tropical islands of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean are one of the most difficult places in the world to be a Christian. Islam is the state religion and citizens must be Muslim to hold public office in this popular tourist destination. A Maldivian found with a Bible in their house faces a prison sentence. Propagation of a religion other than Islam is a criminal offence. It is illegal for Muslims to convert. In 2016, the government passed the Defamation and Freedom of Speech Act, criminalising comments against “any tenet of Islam.” In September 2017, the government suspended one-third of all lawyers from practising, after they petitioned the Supreme Court to respect the rule of law. Christians are even more vulnerable if the government extends its control over the courts. The constitution states that rights and freedoms may “be limited in order to protect the tenets of Islam.” The constitution does not mention freedom of religion but allows “freedom of thought and the freedom to communicate opinions” provided this is done “in a manner that is not contrary [to Islam].” The Maldivian constitution is ambiguous as to whether Muslims who convert to Christianity could be stripped of their citizenship. President Mohammed Nasheed’s election in 2008 raised hopes for

improved conditions for Christians. Nasheed advocated a “tolerant” form of Islam. However, he was forced out of office in 2012. The country’s penal code is based on sharia. Although not all hudud punishments are implemented, floggings are carried out as a punishment for some crimes (the hudud laws are the part of sharia which sets out punishments such as amputation, stoning and lashing for various specific crimes, in accordance with the Quran).

The Maldives are often portrayed as an idyllic holiday destination, but any Maldivian found with a Bible in their house faces a prison sentence Intercede for believers in the Maldives, suffering persecution at the hands of their own government. Pray that God will strengthen Christians in prison and the Holy Spirit will comfort and encourage isolated believers (2 Corinthians 3:17). 23

Morocco

onverts from Islam should no longer face the death penalty for apostasy, Morocco’s highest religious authority has decreed. The High Religious Committee presided over by King Mohammed VI, made this decision last year in a dramatic move contradicting sharia (Islamic law). Only God knows the exact number of indigenous Christians in Morocco. Estimates range between 3,000 and 8,000. The converts from Islam are mostly ethnic Berbers. Morocco is 99% Muslim. The king claims direct descent from Muhammad, and bears the Islamic title “Commander of the Faithful.” The government maintains Islam as the state religion, and does not recognise the existence of an indigenous Christian minority. The law forbids evangelism among Muslims – and many foreign missionaries caught evangelising have been expelled. Christian converts from Islam face social, family, and cultural pressures. The authorities often do not bother Christians, provided they keep their gatherings discreet, although some report that there is official pressure on them to recant their faith. In June 2017, the National Coalition of Moroccan Christians submitted a list of requests to the National Human Rights Council including “the freedom of worship and the official recognition of churches in the country” and the right to use Christian names for their children.

Since the Arab Spring in 2011, King Mohammed VI has been implementing a number of political reforms.

Ketoubia Mosque in Marrakesh, the largest in Morocco; Muslims account for more than 99% of the population and the government refuses to recognise the existence of a Christian community among Moroccan nationals Give thanks for the dramatic ruling by Morocco’s High Religious Committee last year, and pray that the Islamic leadership in other countries will follow this lead. Pray that the National Human Rights Committee will grant Moroccan Christians their requests and that their right to exist, worship and share their faith will be recognised. Pray that God will guide, nurture, and continue to add to the growing number of courageous Christians in Morocco. Remember that our brothers and sisters face family and societal pressures to deny Christ, and ask the Lord to give them the strength to “live a life worthy of the calling [they] have received” (Ephesians 4:1).

Myanmar (Burma) Barnabas Fund Projects include: : Bibles (75-1042) Persecuted Orphans (75-821) Myanmar (Burma) General Fund (75-810)

thnic Burman identity is closely linked to Buddhism in this 87% Buddhist nation. The connection can be traced back to the colonial era, when a nationalist motto called on Burmans to protect their race, language and religion. Most of Myanmar’s Christians come from non-Burman ethnic minorities, such as the Naga, Chin, Karen and Kachin. Christianity is portrayed as a foreign religion, even though there have been Christians since the late 1700s. Although Christians have secured key positions in Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, the military – which retains considerable power – continues to brutally repress minority groups, including both Christians and Muslims. There is intimidation and violence against Christians, forced relocation and desecration of Christian cemeteries, and there are attacks on church buildings. Christians are forcibly converted to Buddhism, while Buddhists who choose to follow Christ are persecuted. Children in ethnic minority Christian communities are offered free education at Na Ta La Buddhist schools. Students who accept are not allowed to attend church and must learn and practise Buddhism. Upon graduating, they are guaranteed a government job as long as they officially convert to Buddhism, including having their new religion recorded on their national ID cards.

The mainly Christian Kachin people have suffered greatly, including desecration of their churches and many grave human rights violations, including sexual violence. Over 120,000 have been displaced from their homes and most of them now live a miserable and vulnerable existence in camps.

Many Kachin Christians, including children, have been forced from their homes; Barnabas has helped meet their immediate needs Lift up in prayer the many displaced Kachin Christians, and others from ethnic minorities, who have experienced horrific treatment at the hands of the military. Pray that they will remain strong in the Lord as they face great hardship. Pray that progress of democracy in Myanmar, so feted in the world’s press, will lead to true religious freedom for all. 25

Nepal Barnabas Fund Projects include: Nepal General Fund (89-992)

hristians feel they are second-class citizens in Nepal. Although the church has grown fast in the last 60 years, Christians are still less than 1.5% of the population and some of the Hindu majority continue to violently campaign for Nepal to return to being a Hindu kingdom, as it was before 2008. Now officially a secular republic, secularisation led to Christmas being briefly banned as a public holiday and in 2015 a clause was introduced into the constitution making it illegal to “convert another person from one religion to another.” In August 2017, Nepal’s parliament passed laws further restricting conversion and also criminalising “hurting religious sentiment” – a phrase which is so vague that it could be applied to a Christian just stating their own beliefs. Since the changes to the constitution, Christians have experienced increased harassment and local authorities have interpreted restrictions on conversion to be a ban on all sharing of faith, particularly toward Hindus. Eight Christians spent more than five months in jail after being accused of proselytising in Dolakha, northern Nepal, in 2016. In the same district, two head teachers were arrested for distributing a children’s book of Bible stories to Christian pupils. Hindu nationalists continue to push for Nepal to become officially Hindu; in 2015, hours after the government

rejected a proposal to reinstate Nepal as a Hindu state, bombs exploded in two churches in the east of the country. Many Christians are poor, marginalised and sometimes subject to violent attacks.

The church has grown fast in Nepal in the last 60 years, but Christians are still less than 1.5% of the population; Hindu nationalists are pushing for Nepal to become a Hindu kingdom again Lift up in prayer Nepalese Christians, for whom openly sharing their faith can mean prosecution; pray that, even though they feel second-class citizens in their own country, they will be assured of their citizenship in heaven that is guaranteed and secured for them by Jesus Christ. Pray that changes to the constitution and the restrictive religious laws introduced last year will be reversed.

Nigeria Barnabas Fund Projects include: Victims of violence in Nigeria (39-772)

Easter Sunday 2017, Muslim Fulani herdsmen ambushed Christians at a service in Asso Village, close to Kafanchan, Kaduna State, killing twelve. Attacks by Muslim Fulani herdsmen against Christian communities in the religiously diverse “Middle Belt” of Nigeria continued in 2017, with alleged collusion from some in the army. In September and October, more than 77 people were killed, and 2,254 people displaced by Fulani attacks. Infamously, in Bassa, Plateau State, 29 people – mainly children – were locked in a classroom and slaughtered. Christians fear that these attacks are part of Islamist aims to force them from their land in a programme of “religious cleansing.” Frustration is growing with President Buhari’s failure to clearly condemn and act against anti-Christian violence. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reports that authorities in predominantly Muslim northeastern and north-western states abuse regulations on zoning and title registration to deny building permits for the building, repair, and expansion of churches. Boko Haram, a militant group allied with Islamic State (IS), aims to establish an Islamic caliphate in Nigeria and surrounding countries. Although Nigeria’s security forces have recaptured territories lost to the jihadists, they

remain a threat. Boko Haram attacks have caused thousands of Christians and other civilian victims to flee to neighbouring countries or to refugee camps in Nigeria where Christians still face violence and discrimination. Nigeria’s population has almost equal numbers of Christians and Muslims, although the number of Christians is probably marginally higher. The country is secular, but twelve majority-Muslim states in the north have instituted elements of sharia.

Attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani Muslim herders on Nigerian Christians have left churches destroyed and families torn apart – Barnabas Fund has provided help for Christian widows and orphans Join hands with our brothers and sisters suffering from Islamist violence in Nigeria, and cry out with one voice to the Lord for justice. Ask God for the complete defeat of Boko Haram and that its members may come to know and love the Prince of Peace. Pray for the protection of Christians in refugee camps due to Boko Haram violence and that even in their adversity, the light of their love for Him will continue to shine. 27

North Korea Barnabas Fund Projects include: North Korea General Fund (86-545)

orth Korea is routinely ranked as the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. Believers are known to have been executed for simply owning a Bible and many have to keep their faith completely secret, even from their own families, as children are encouraged at school to report on their parents if they see them praying or reading the Scriptures. Those who do gather to pray and worship together risk death or lifelong imprisonment. Tens of thousands of Christians – sometimes entire families – have been incarcerated in political labour camps, where many are horrifically abused, tortured and worked to death. Christians are often singled out for the worst treatment in these camps. The state ideology of Juche effectively deifies North Korea’s despotic leader, Kim Jong Un, who has erected a statue of himself on the country’s highest mountain. Christianity is seen as a threat to the state. Authorities exert tight control over the media and North Koreans are prevented from getting information outside of that provided by the government; access to Christian literature is therefore extremely limited. While North Korea’s dictator lives in luxury, the vast majority of the population endure abject poverty and frequent food shortages. Thousands of North Koreans attempt to escape each year, trying to

reach China or South Korea. Chinese government officials are thought to conspire with North Korean authorities to forcibly repatriate those who have crossed the border. According to one official who defected, escapees are tortured until they reveal where they have been and who they have contacted; those suspected of being Christians are especially targeted.

Christianity is seen as a threat to the state and to President Kim Jong Un’s personality cult Call on the Lord to help North Koreans, who are subject to brutal repression at the hands of a dictatorial leader. Pray especially for Christians facing death, torture and abuse in labour camps; pray that they will be comforted with the assurance that no hardship or persecution can separate them from the love of Christ. Ask that Christians gathering together in secret will inspire one another to hold firm to the faith.

Pastors and Evangelists Barnabas Fund Projects include: Pastors Support Fund (00-477) Evangelists Support Fund (00-478)

“So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the pastors and the teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

round the world, there are many full-time Christian workers faithfully carrying out God’s call on their lives to share the Gospel and build up the body of Christ in their own countries or their own people-groups. In places where they face hostility from the community and from the authorities, their work can be lonely, under-resourced, undersupported and dangerous. A church pastor in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka, who was targeted by local Buddhists, endured prolonged harassment and violence. Police sided with local Buddhists, who had disrupted church services and previously burned down a church building in the village, and eventually requested that the pastor and his wife leave their home for their own safely. Every year, Christian pastors, particularly in countries where Christians are a minority, face physical violence; some are even killed. Those who lead churches and disciple believers in Muslim-majority communities often provide a lifeline of encouragement to completely isolated Christians. Mirbek and his wife, who

work in a country in Central Asia, regularly travel 60 miles to meet up at a café to pray and read the Bible with one lady whose “faith is very fragile because all the village inhabitants and relatives are very hostile to her.” He and his wife – who also work with children and teenagers, lead house groups, and aid church leaders – are supported by Barnabas.

Levan, his wife Salome and daughter Esther – the couple minister full time among Muslims in Georgia, with the support of Barnabas Fund Give thanks to God for pastors, church-planters and evangelists who serve Him in the face of opposition and violence. Ask the Holy Spirit to equip and empower them, and beseech the Father to meet their material needs. Ask the Lord to protect them from attacks from the majority community, harassment from the authorities and unjust penalties for their service to God. Pray for fruitful ministry, in lives transformed by the truth of the Gospel of Christ and churches strengthened to face persecution with courage and perseverance. 29

Pakistan Barnabas Fund Projects include: Feeding Christian Families (41-331) Christian Brick Kiln Workers (41-1356) Christian Schools (41-1209)

ast year 17-year-old schoolboy Sharoon Masih was beaten to death by Muslim classmates, while teachers reportedly looked on. Pakistani Christians may number as many as 3.5 million, around 3% of the population, but are despised and discriminated against by most of the Muslim majority, even regarded as unclean. As a result, many Christians live in great poverty, doing low status jobs such as cleaning sewers. Violence, which was previously rare, has increased in recent years. But Christians often do not get justice, because police also discriminate against them. Pakistan’s “blasphemy laws” are used to settle personal grudges and entire communities have been violently targeted by zealous Muslims following such allegations. Christians are particularly vulnerable as stating their beliefs can be construed as “blasphemy” and lower courts tend to favour the testimony of Muslims, in accordance with sharia. The laws include a mandatory death penalty for defiling the name of Muhammad. Although no executions have yet been carried out, a number of Christians, including Aasia Bibi, are languishing on death row. Islamist terror groups have specifically targeted churches and Christian gatherings with suicide bombings. Every year, an estimated 700 Christian girls in Pakistan are kidnapped by Muslims, often raped,

and forcibly converted and married to Muslims. Laws against forced conversion – designed particularly to protect Hindu and Christian girls – were unanimously passed by the Sindh parliament in November 2016, but at the time of writing the state governor has refused to sign them into law. All laws in Pakistan have to be compatible with sharia and Islam is the state religion.

Barnabas Fund is freeing bonded brick kiln labourers by paying debts they incurred to cover emergency needs. Mumbarak and his family – one of 80 freed so far – said, “I used to think I might stay in debt my whole life! This thought would not let me sleep at nights. But God sent you for me!” Pray for the many desperately poor Christians, especially bonded brick kiln labourers, who are trapped in slave-like work conditions – ask that they will be set free. Call on the Lord for the repeal or amendment of the muchexploited “blasphemy laws” and the release of Aasia Bibi and other innocent Christians and others who have spent years in prison. Ask that efforts to protect vulnerable Christian and Hindu girls from forced marriages will be successful.

Philippines

May 2017, jihadists seized control of the city of Marawi on Mindanao in the southern Philippines. As thousands of residents fled, the militants from the “Maute” Islamist group used an Islamic State media outlet to publicise their burning of a church. They also took more than 200 hostages, many of them Christians, who were used as human shields and coerced into building bombs and scavenging for food; women were treated as sex slaves. There were also reports that Christians trying to escape were shot dead at a checkpoint for refusing to convert to Islam. Some local Muslims from Marawi protected Christian women by lending them hijabs. The Philippines’ president immediately declared martial law and the military began an operation to retake Marawi, which took more than four months. The Philippines archipelago is a diverse country, with a primarily Christian population. However, there has been a decades-long conflict between the government and Islamist armed groups seeking independence for the southern Philippines, which has a significant Muslim population. Previous governments have adopted a policy of appeasement, even offering militant groups a semi-autonomous region with its own law, a move Islamists understood as allowing them to impose sharia. Christian villages in Mindanao have previously been

targeted by Islamists, including an attack on Christmas Eve 2016, which left nine Christians dead.

Christians captured when jihadists seized Marawi city in Mindanao in May 2017 were forced to build bombs; others were murdered for refusing to convert to Islam Pray for believers, particularly those in Mindanao, who have been targeted by Islamists for years. Pray that those who have survived being held hostage by the Maute will know the Father’s healing, restoration and comfort (Isaiah 57:18). Pray for Muslim children – some of whom see jihadists as heroes – that they will grow up learning to live peacefully with their Christian neighbours. Pray that the government will have wisdom to know how best to resist the rise of Islamism. 31

Russia

ight state controls, coupled with poorly defined laws, make it very hard for many evangelical Christians in Russia to share their faith with others freely and without threat of punishment. Independent religious activity is seen as a threat by the Russian government, which introduced amendments to the Religion Law in 2016 to restrict “missionary activity” – in practice, this allows prosecution for nearly any speech or social media post and books to be put on a list of banned materials and has been used to bring prosecutions against many Christians. Evangelical Christians (who have grown in number since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991) have, together with other religious minorities, experienced increasing persecution at the hands of Russian authorities. In 2017, a Christian missionary from India become the first known person to be deported from Russia under the draconian 2016 Religion Law. Since the amended laws came into force, many prosecutions have been brought by authorities against Christians. Suspicion reigns towards Protestant churches, which do not have historical connections to Russian nationalism and are not affiliated with statecontrolled organisations. Fines can be imposed on Christians who engage in anything considered to be “missionary activity” which includes inviting people to their church.

Russia has an estimated population of 146 million and is the world’s largest country by land mass. The North Caucasus region in south-western Russia is a particularly dangerous area for Christians. Statements supporting Islamic State have been made by some militant groups in the region. The area is home to a Muslim majority population, except for North Ossetia and there are several separatist movements, including in Chechnya.

The Russian government has tightened restrictions on evangelical Christians since 2016 Lift up in prayer Christians and church leaders in Russia, who live under daily threat from laws which restrict their faith. Pray that the Russian government would rescind the “anti-terror” amendments and allow our brothers and sisters in Christ to live out their faith without fear of prosecution. Praise God for the growing Church but pray also for protection for Christians in Russia, from fines, imprisonment or other persecution.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia it is a capital offence for a Muslim to convert to Christianity. The unknown number of believers from Muslim backgrounds in the country therefore follow Christ in almost total secrecy. In the past, Christians have been murdered by family members for converting. Christian migrant workers from other countries face potential abuse from employers. Even expatriate Christians, while theoretically allowed to gather in private to worship, also face harassment – meetings have been raided by religious police and participants have been arrested and/or deported. No non-Muslim public religious buildings are permitted in the country, nor is any public display of any non-Islamic religion allowed. The kingdom’s constitution is based on the Quran and the judicial system operates on a strict interpretation of sharia, which includes hudud punishments such as amputations and floggings. Religious police roam the streets ensuring adherence to Islamic dress codes and other “morality” laws. There is no separation between religion and state. “Blasphemy” charges are used to suppress free speech and debate, including on social media, and anti-terrorism laws introduced in 2014 defined terrorism as “calling into question the fundamentals of the Islamic religion on which this country is based.” To date there are no known cases

of the law being used against Christians, although journalists have been jailed. Saudi Arabia promotes its own strict Wahhabi interpretation of Islam worldwide, funding religious schools and Islamic mission (dawa) in other countries. This includes school text books which, although some have been revised, have usually presented Christians and Jews as enemies and also encouraged jihad as a means of spreading Islam.

No non-Muslim religious buildings are permitted in Saudi Arabia; police in the city of Jeddah (pictured) have raided expatriate Christians meeting together in homes for worship Pray for isolated, secret Saudi believers, known only to their Father in Heaven; may they be encouraged and comforted by the Holy Spirit, and grow in their faith through revelation and the study of the Word. Pray that the system of sharia will be abolished and that Saudi Arabia’s rulers will recognise the authority of Him who is truly on the throne. 33

Somalia

slam is a major pillar of Somali national identity. Somalia’s provisional constitution declares Islam to be the state religion, with the Quran and Sunna (the life, customs, and examples of Muhammed) as the basic sources of law, which no legislation must contradict. Promoting any religion apart from Islam is illegal. While there is no official prohibition on conversion from Islam, in practice this is what has been enforced since the collapse of the Said Barre government in 1992. In 2016 the country’s Minister of Religious Affairs dismissed the possibility of a Somali ever being Christian. The tiny Christian community in Somalia, made up almost entirely of converts from Islam, faces the possibility of being murdered for apostasy by family, community members or Al Shabaab jihadists. “There is no possible way of having a presence in Mogadishu [the capital of Somalia],” a Christian leader said last year. In August 2017, the government of breakaway Somaliland – which seceded from the rest of Somalia in 1991 – reversed its decision to allow an historic church building in Hargeisa to reopen, to “respect the wishes of the people and their [Islamic] religious leaders.” Somalia has been ravaged by conflict since 1991 when rival warlords began fighting for control. In 2006, an Islamic coalition with Al Shabaab as its

military wing briefly seized Mogadishu, and most of southern and central Somalia. Despite international efforts, spearheaded by the African Union, to defeat Al Shabaab, it still holds swathes of territory. Allied to Al Qaeda, it aims to establish a caliphate in the country and the rest of East Africa, and crosses into neighbouring Kenya to stage terror attacks against its Christians.

Somalia has been ravaged by conflict since 1991, when warlords began fighting for control. The tiny convert Christian community has been targeted by Al Shabaab jihadists Beseech the Lord to hear the cries of the Somali Christians, and keep them safe and their faith unwavering in the tempests of political and social persecution, and Islamist violence which is so likely, humanly speaking, to lead to their martyrdom. Ask God to touch President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed to allow freedom of religion in Somalia. Intercede for the return of peace to Somalia and the end of Al Shabaab’s terror.

Sri Lanka Barnabas Fund Projects include: Theological seminary (85-985) Emergency flood relief (85-887)

ri Lankan Christians face frequent persecution, often from local Buddhist monks, sometimes in collusion with police. In one example last year, a Buddhist mob led by monks halted a church service in Ingiriya. When a member of a congregation called the police, they claimed the Christians were breaching the peace. After a month of continued violence and threats, police requested that the church pastor and his wife leave their home for their own safety. Attacks on churches are typically justified by claims that churches are legally required to register to hold services. Though false, these claims are given credence by the Sri Lankan constitution which affords Buddhism “foremost place,” leaving the country’s Hindu (14%), Muslim (9%) and Christian (8%) minorities at a disadvantage when trying to defend their religious freedom. The largest Christian population is in Tamil areas in the north and east of Sri Lanka. A 26-year civil war between the Buddhist Sinhalese majority and predominantly Hindu Tamil separatists ended in victory for the government in 2009. As a result of the war many Christian communities were dispersed and at least 100 church buildings destroyed. In late May last year, heavy rains caused landslides and floods, which killed 191 people and displaced 465,000 people in south and west Sri Lanka, among them 25,000 Christians.

Displaced Christians did not seek shelter in relief camps, because of fear of hostility, particularly at shelters established in Buddhist temples. Such natural disasters are particularly devastating for Christians, many of whom are already poor and work on tea plantations where they are vulnerable to being exploited by their employers.

Barnabas Fund has distributed emergency aid to Christian families affected by flooding in Sri Lanka Pray for the Christian minority in Sri Lanka, particularly those who are impoverished and have been the victims of violence and natural disaster; may they know the comfort of their Heavenly Father and be able to rest in the knowledge that even though they are poor, they are rich (Revelation 2:9). Ask that Christians will be able to meet and worship freely without persecution. 35

Women Barnabas Fund Projects include: Widows of War, Syria (49-1307) Sewing & Literacy Centre for Women, Pakistan (41-1046) Cana Girls Rescue Home (25-663)

many of the contexts where Christians suffer marginalisation and persecution for their faith, women suffer a double vulnerability because of their gender. Christian women whose husbands are imprisoned, maimed or even martyred through persecution are often left with little or no income to support themselves and their children. Some Muslims consider that all Christian women are “immoral” and that they actually deserve abuse. The appalling treatment of women and girls at the hands of Islamic State – auctioning them off to men, or “awarding” them as trophies to soldiers – caused outrage around the world. In countries such as Egypt and Pakistan, Christian women and girls are vulnerable to kidnap, forced conversion to Islam, and marriage against their will to a Muslim (often, their abductor). Women working in domestic service run the risk of abuse and exploitation. In Kenya, Barnabas Fund supports a girls’ refuge that takes in girls escaping from tribal practices of child marriage and FGM. Barnabas Fund helps women with literacy projects, small business startup grants and vocational training to enable them to support themselves and their dependents. Kinza, a young Christian woman from Pakistan, dreaded the risk of

abuse by her Muslim employer if she worked as a maid. She took the opportunity to train as a seamstress and told Barnabas, “I’m very grateful to the Lord who provided me with a great opportunity … Now I am a skilful lady, I have stitched more than 400 dresses ’til today, therefore I am able to earn for my family and for my better future.”

Kinza, a Pakistani Christian blessed through a church-run sewing and literacy centre supported by Barnabas Lift up to the Lord Christian women and girls living in contexts of marginalisation, poverty and persecution. Pray that God will provide for them, their children and dependents. Ask that He will comfort all who mourn (Isaiah 61:2). Beseech Him to protect vulnerable Christian women and girls from those who would do them harm because of their faith and their gender.

Sudan Barnabas Fund Projects include: Women’s prison ministry (48-575) Pastor support (48-1354)

udan’s government is accelerating efforts to eradicate Christianity from the 97% Muslim country by deporting Christians to South Sudan, demolishing churches, closing Christian schools, and imposing sharia on Christians. Last year, Christian refugees from South Sudan fleeing to Sudan to escape famine and conflict in their homeland, were refused Sudanese government food aid unless they recited the shahada (Islamic creed) – viewed by Muslims as an act of conversion to Islam. Sudanese churches were banned from providing aid to the refugees. Since South Sudan seceded in 2011, the government of (north) Sudan, has increased the pace of Islamisation. It is one of the few countries in the world with a formal death penalty for apostasy from Islam. Liberal Muslims who question Islamic teachings, as well as those who convert to another religion have been executed under this law. Christians seeking employment are pressured to deny their faith or convert to Islam by employers who often flout labour laws that guarantee Christian employees two hours for worship on Sundays. Christian women can face public flogging for wearing “immoral [unIslamic] dress” for example, trousers. The government has waged a genocidal jihad against Sudan’s oldest Christian region – the Nuba Mountains near the South Sudan

border – for over 34 years. It has used deliberate starvation, aerial bombing (decreased in 2017), forced conversions, systematic mass rape, and jailing of Christian leaders, with many tortured and killed. Over 500,000 died in the 1990s. The recent imprisonment of two Sudanese Christians who contributed to a documentary exposing this is an indication of how much the government wants to keep these facts hidden from the world.

Believers at a displaced people’s camp in Wau, South Sudan, were forced to eat leaves and grass, until food aid arrived. Barnabas supported 5,700 Christians at the camp Pray for Christians who are forced to live as despised and secondclass citizens under sharia law that they may keep strong in their faith and not despair. Pray for South Sudanese refugees facing starvation that they continue to affirm Jesus as Lord. Call on the Lord to move the government to lift its ban on churches helping Christian refugees. Give thanks that the Christians falsely imprisoned have been released. 37

Syria Barnabas Fund Projects include: Food, medicine and basic needs (00-1032)

he situation in Syria varies widely. At the time of writing, security remains precarious. Six long years of war have left many Christians facing gruelling hardship, even as they mourn the loss of loved ones – some of whom were martyred for their faith in the Lord Jesus. Food shortages, a lack of employment opportunities and bombed-out homes are just some of the difficulties they endure on a daily basis in some parts of the country. A Barnabas Fund partner in Aleppo said, “This situation of ‘neither war nor peace’ does not encourage the hundreds of thousands of Alepins, who are refugees or displaced, to return … why rebuild if there is no peace or economic recovery?” Before the war, around 10% of Syria’s population were Christians. They were treated with respect and equality, until the rise of Islamist groups, including Islamic State, fuelled violent anti-Christian persecution. While Western media largely focused on the Syrian army’s war against the rebels, Christians were the targets of kidnappings and murders at the hands of Islamist rebel groups – the Christian quarter of Aleppo was bombarded with rockets and mortars for months on end. There are thought to be at least half a million Christians among the five million refugees who have fled Syria since the violence began in 2011. Many of them have been facing discrimination

and sometimes violence in the countries where they have fled, while those who manage to reach Europe are at risk of being attacked in Muslim-dominated refugee shelters and often find it extremely difficult to claim asylum.

Barnabas Fund has provided trauma counselling for Syrian Christian children who have witnessed war and lost family members Lift up in prayer those largely forgotten believers who remain in Syria in extremely difficult circumstances. Pray especially for elderly Christians, in places like Aleppo, where each day is a struggle to survive; ask that the Lord will provide for all their needs. Pray for the many Syrian Christians in other countries that they will be comforted by the presence of the Holy Spirit and will be welcomed into the family of believers around the world.

Tajikistan Barnabas Fund Projects include: Tajikistan General Fund (50-770)

ajikistan is an Islamist hotspot, very poor, and a hard place for Christians. In 2017, Pastor Bakhrom Kholmatov, a 42-year-old father of three from the northern city of Khujand, was jailed for three years for allegedly “inciting national, racial, local or religious hatred or dissension.” Police charged Pastor Kholmatov after confiscating church hymn books, claiming that the songs in the hymnbooks, which included “God’s army is marching” and “Our fight is not against flesh and blood,” were “extremist and call on people to overthrow the government.” The “extremism law” in Tajikistan (Criminal Code Article 189) punishes people “without requiring acts that involve violence or incitement or imminent violence.” The government uses this law to crackdown on anyone involved in certain religious activities. The Tajikistan government also imposes heavy restrictions on all religious groups, and the import, export and distribution of religious publications has to be approved by the authorities. Under laws introduced in 2011, children under the age of 18 are prohibited from taking part in public religious activities – a cause of great concern for Christian parents. Christians from Muslim backgrounds encounter persecution from the authorities and are often subjected to

physical violence from their relatives or are threatened with death. Because of the dire economic situation in Tajikistan, many people are emigrating, including many Christians. At the time of writing, the three largest churches are in danger of closing down because of emigration of their members. Many pastors are amongst those who have left the country.

A Bible is especially precious in Tajikistan – the import and distribution of religious publications has to be approved by authorities Pray for Christians in Tajikistan, who are being increasingly challenged by many restrictive laws for practising and sharing their faith. Lift up Christians who have been arrested and jailed under extremism laws; pray for their safe release and for their families. Pray too that church leaders who have left will return to Tajikistan and that more leaders, bold and free from fear, will rise up within the country. 39

Tanzania Barnabas Fund Projects include: Bible college student support (51-1105) Leaders’ Training Seminars (51-1293) Evangelists’ support (51-1242)

anzania’s population is 60% Christian and 36% Muslim, with the mainland predominantly Christian, and the semi-autonomous Zanzibar archipelago 98% Muslim. Previously known in Africa for religious tolerance, Tanzania is now a place where Christians in Muslim-majority areas are finding life increasingly difficult. Muslims disproportionately influence the country, having many senior positions in government, judiciary, business and education. Some are pressuring the government to introduce khadi (Islamic) courts on the Christianmajority mainland, following Zanzibar, although the process has since stalled. Muslims have customarily slaughtered animals to ensure the meat is halal, but now assume it is their exclusive right. Local authorities are pressured to arrest Christians who slaughter their own animals and sell pork, despite it not being illegal. In areas where local authorities have not yielded to pressure, Christian butchers are attacked, some killed. Their customers are also assaulted. Violent Islamist attacks are growing, especially against converts from Islam and church leaders both in the mainland and in Zanzibar. On Zanzibar’s island of Pemba, churches have needed constant police protection from arsonists, and many Christians have fled to the mainland. President John Magufuli – a Christian – is trying to reassert

Tanzania’s secular nature with equal freedoms for all religions, and last year the Mufti of Tanzania condemned Muslim attacks on Christians. Tanzania’s constitution enshrines freedom of religion, including the freedom to convert, and prohibits religious discrimination. Zanzibar’s constitution enshrines this, but allows limits if deemed “necessary and agreeable in the democratic system,” potentially allowing such freedoms to be over-ridden at the desire of the Muslim majority.

Christ Church in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is built on the site of the former slave market – the island was the main staging post of the Arab slave trade. Today, Christian converts face persecution from the Muslim majority Pray to God to protect our persecuted Tanzanian brothers and sisters, and for them to be comforted by the words of Christ: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10) Ask that they will be given wisdom from above to respond to the developing situation in their country.

Thailand Barnabas Fund Projects include: Pakistani Christian Refugees in Thailand (82-1276)

hailand is more than 90% Buddhist. Thai Christians, most of whom are ethnic Chinese, are generally free to practise their faith. However, converts to Christianity from Buddhism face opposition and pressure to renounce their conversion; refusal to participate in Buddhist and spiritworship aspects of family weddings, funerals and neighbourhood events can be perceived as showing disloyalty to their family and community. Thailand’s military government took power in a coup in 2014 and subsequently introduced a new constitution which upholds previous provisions allowing religious freedom for individuals. In 2016, the National Council for Peace and Order, the ruling military body which has sweeping powers, issued a decree guaranteeing protection for “all recognised religions” – these include Buddhists, Muslims, Brahmin-Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians – but calling for state agencies to monitor “right teaching” to ensure that religions do not “upset social harmony.” The decree also specifically prohibits insulting Buddhism or Buddhist clergy, with those found guilty potentially facing a year in jail, although there are no reported cases of Christians being charged. The government stipulates a denomination-based quota for foreign missionaries, who are required to register.

There are around four to five thousand Pakistani Christians in Thailand who have fled Pakistan to avoid persecution. They are extremely badly treated. Immigration authorities carry out arbitrary mass arrests, even raiding worship services, and those detained are held in harsh and overcrowded conditions in detention centres with little concern for their welfare. In May 2017, one Pakistani Christian died in detention after he was put in a punishment room because he could not pay hospital bills for a heart condition.

Barnabas Fund is providing medical aid and financial help to Pakistani Christians in Thailand who have fled persecution in their homeland Life up in prayer Pakistani Christian asylum seekers in Thailand, who are not recognised as refugees by the government. Pray for a dramatic change of policy and for the release of believers held in conditions sometimes worse than jail simply because they have tried to escape persecution. Pray that converts from Buddhism will draw strength and encouragement from the Holy Spirit in the face of family opposition. 41

Turkey Barnabas Fund Projects include: Turkey General Fund (54-750)

he number of Christians in what is now Turkey has fallen from as many as 3 million to fewer than 150,000 in 100 years. Historical Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Christian communities were decimated in a genocide in the early twentieth century (at least 1.5 million Armenians and Assyrians died) and still face discrimination, including property seizures, today. Recent years have seen a rise in anti-Christian media reports – in one instance, New Testaments were displayed alongside “terrorist propaganda” confiscated by police – and anti-Christian billboards and leaflets have been reported at Christmas. There are now over 140 known Protestant fellowships of varying sizes, mostly made up of Turkish converts from Islam. However, Christians and other minorities, including thousands of Iraqi and Syrian Christian refugees who have fled to Turkey, are treated with suspicion and experience occasional attacks. In April 2017, a referendum agreed a new constitution, giving the president – currently Recep Tayyip Erdogan – sweeping powers strikingly similar to those of the Sultan under a historical Ottoman constitution. Erdogan has openly sought to revive nationalist Ottoman sentiment, deploying the Turkish army in areas of Iraq formerly part of the Ottoman Empire and promoting Islam as central to Turkish national identity.

Although the vast majority of Turks are Muslim, modern Turkey since 1923 has a proud history of secular government. This is being gradually eroded by a programme of Islamisation particularly focused on the young. A new school curriculum introduced in 2017/18 promotes Islam as synonymous with Turkish national identity, alters history and science curricula and requires all schools to have a Muslim prayer room. Since the apparent attempted coup in July 2016, there has been an ongoing crackdown on Christian activity, which has included jailing foreign nationals.

Barnabas Fund has helped Iraqi and Syrian Christain refugees living in Turkey Pray for Turkish Christians who live in a climate of growing instability, particularly for those who are converts from Islam, and for Iraqi and Syrian Christian refugees who are especially singled out. Pray that Turkish believers will have the boldness to witness to Christ, despite negative portrayal in the media and the risk of being detained in the authorities’ crack down.

Converts Barnabas Fund Projects include: Convert Fund (00-113)

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35)

onverts to Christianity in a Muslim context often face outright rejection from family and community. They risk losing their spouse, children, job, home and possessions. Relatives may seek to kill them to restore “honour” to the family, or zealous Muslims may try to enforce the sharia regulation that demands death for apostates. Apostasy from Islam is illegal in 25 countries. In the few countries where the official death penalty is an option, it is rarely enforced and converts are more likely to be imprisoned. This is the case in Iran, where more than a hundred converts are behind bars at the time of writing. Converts from Hinduism and Buddhism also tend to face rejection, hostility and violence. Last year a Buddhist monk in Teetaw, Myanmar, summoned four new Christian converts to the village monastery. There they were told to re-convert to Buddhism or face banishment. The four refused, so villagers asked officials in the nearby town to banish the converts. The officials declined, stating “freedom of religion is ensured in Myanmar.”

The monk and village leaders then organised villagers to attack a group of Christians worshipping in a private home the following evening, pelting them with rocks for four hours. Several Christians were injured and two had to be hospitalised. Support for such vulnerable new Christians is crucial and Barnabas Fund’s Convert Fund provides this through safe places of refuge, discipleship training and small-business start-up costs.

Fauzia (left), a Muslim-background believer from Uganda, received assistance from Barnabas Fund to set up a small shop Give thanks to the Lord for new converts who willingly take up their cross to follow Jesus (Luke 14:28), enduring loss and suffering for His sake. Pray that God will strengthen, encourage and protect them in their faith. Ask that He will equip them with all they need to grow in the knowledge and love of God. Intercede for new Christians who suffer rejection, that they will be comforted by the assurance that their place in God’s family can never be taken from them. 43

Turkmenistan

urkmenistan is an isolated and closed country, where the religious context is dominated by Islam and a presidential personality cult. In April 2016 religious laws in Turkmenistan were further tightened when the option to register as a “religious group” that only required five adult members was removed from law; now the only option is a “religious organisation” that requires at least 50 adult members. The Justice Ministry continues to stall applications by claiming that they contain “errors” which must be “corrected.” One church received official registration, which was then withdrawn. The church challenged this, as the law upholds freedom of religion. Officials responded by stating that Turkmenistan is a Muslim country. Some churches do not even attempt to register because they do not want to be under government control. Turkmenistan’s Religious Affairs Department is staffed entirely by Muslims and rarely grants permission for anyone to import a Bible. Missionary activity is considered harmful to society. Christians are barred from social work. Muslims who become Christians are thrown out by their family and will usually lose their job. Converts are removed from any public office and come under intense pressure to return to Islam. Former President Niyazov, who died in 2006, had established a quasi-

religious cult of personality around himself. His book outlining this, the Ruhnama, dominated public life. A pervasive cult of personality has also emerged centred on current President Berdymukhamedov and this adds to the challenges faced by Christians. Ethnic Turkmens account for around 80% of the population. Although Christianity in the region dates back to the third century, Turkmen identity is bound up with Islam. Christianity is viewed as associated with negative foreign influences.

Successive presidents have fostered personality cults; Christianity is now strongly associated with negative foreign influences, although it dates back to the third century Pray that churches will be permitted to re-register with the authorities so that they can function legally. Ask that the Lord will strengthen the faith of believers in Turkmenistan, and make a way for Bibles and Christian literature to be more freely distributed. Beseech God to raise up bold new leaders to shepherd His people through difficult times, and ask Him to give them wisdom in their dealings with the authorities.

xxxx Uzbekistan Barnabas Fund supports many projects to help Christians in Uzbekistan. Although we cannot publish these for security Projects include: reasons, gifts to the Uzbekistan General Fund (57-776) will be used to fund them. zxxxxxxxxxx

zbekistan has for the last two decades been probably the harshest in its treatment of Christians in Central Asia. Around 93% of the population of 31 million are Muslims. Increasing numbers of Christians are being punished simply for the “crime” of possessing religious literature, even though Uzbekistan is officially a secular state. Evangelism is banned. Since 1998, increasingly strict religion laws have made it difficult for churches to function. Churches are required to register, but the stringent registration requirements are impossible for some to meet. Uzbekistan recognises the Russian Orthodox Church, but discriminates against other Christian denominations. Evangelical churches are growing, with many converts from Islam, who face ostracism and pressure from their Muslim relatives and harassment by the authorities. Violent raids on Christian meetings and homes are common. Bibles and other Christian material, together with property of churches and believers like computers, smartphones and other equipment are confiscated and destroyed. Christians are arrested and detained, usually for 15 days, and fined. During first days of detention, they are beaten to try and get them to renounce Christ, making sure the injuries will have healed by the time they are released. Sometimes hunger and thirst are used against them too.

In addition to persecution, the churches face the problem of emigration by Christians in search of work; unemployment is high in Uzbekistan. Christianity in Uzbekistan was almost entirely eradicated under the Turkic military leader Tamerlane (1336 – 1405), renowned for his hatred of Christians and still celebrated as a hero by the Uzbek people. Tamerlane made his capital in the Uzbek city of Samarkand and used the wealth from his conquests to construct grand mosques.

The historic city of Samarkand was the capital of Tamarlane’s Muslim empire in the 14th century. Tamarlane, celebrated as a hero among Uzbek people, almost entirely eradicated Christianity Praise the Lord that the Church in Uzbekistan is growing, despite the severe persecution. Lift up in prayer Christians, especially church leaders, who suffer physically and emotionally from the intimidation, beatings and imprisonment and pray that God will heal them. Ask that the government will change its attitude to believers and lift restrictions on religious freedom. 45

Vietnam Barnabas Fund Projects include: Vietnam General Fund (83-799)

some parts of Vietnam, Christians are treated well. However, although all Christians are viewed with suspicion by the communist one-party state, those from minority ethnic groups (which account for more than half of Vietnamese Christians) and believers who openly advocate for religious freedom and human rights experience significantly greater intimidation and harassment. Most persecution comes from local and provincial authorities. In June 2017, police stood idly by as gangs of nationalist youths terrorised a Christian community in north-east Vietnam for a whole month, attacking a church and Christian homes and businesses. The Montagnard ethnic group, indigenous to the Central Highlands of Vietnam, many of whom are Christian, are often prevented from gathering to worship. Police even ordered one group of eight Montagnard Christians they arrested in 2016 to stop believing in God. Police brutality is commonplace and Christians who are arrested are frequently physically abused and are at risk of being jailed for “anti-government activities.” A new Law on Belief and Religion was passed in November 2016, to come into effect in January 2018, which should improve the rights of individual believers and religious organisations. At the time of writing, its impact is not yet known. In principle, it is easier

for churches to register under the new legislation – Vietnamese law requires all congregations to be registered with the state – but the process is still convoluted, making it very difficult for unregistered congregations to obtain legal status. Unregistered groups are watched by secret police and Christians have reported the seizure of their properties by authorities.

Vietnamese Christians are viewed as enemies of the one-party Communist state Pray that the Vietnamese government’s new religion law will lead to reduced harassment and persecution of Christians, and that it will be the first of many steps toward greater religious freedom in Vietnam. Pray that those imprisoned who face brutal treatment and abuse under trumpedup charges of “subversion” – often for supporting the freedoms of others – will be acquitted and released.

Yemen

hristianity arrived in Yemen in AD 354, when the Roman ambassador converted the country’s pagan king to Christianity. Its spread was vehemently opposed by the Jewish community and when a Jewish ruler came to power Christians were persecuted, even massacred. In the 7th century, the country became predominantly Muslim as Islam expanded across the Arabian Peninsula. There is no mention in the historic records of any Christian presence after 850 except on the island of Socotra where Christians survived until at least the late 16th century. Today, less than 0.5% of Yemen’s population is Christian, most of them refugees from Ethiopia, or expatriate workers. Yemeni Christians are converts from Islam; only God knows their current situation. Expatriate Christians can worship together, but some have been arrested for “promoting Christianity and distributing the Bible;” others accused of evangelism have been expelled. Ethiopian Christians are not permitted to be buried in the Yemeni capital Sanaa unless they accept a Muslim name. Islam is the state religion; sharia is the source of all legislation. Conversion from Islam is technically punishable by death, although the sentence is rarely, if ever, carried out. Converts nevertheless face arrest and are in danger from their families and

communities. In March 2016, gunmen attacked a home for the elderly run by a Christian charity in the port city of Aden, killing 16 people. The previous year, a church was set on fire. A long-running conflict between Shia Houthi rebels and the government escalated in 2015 when Houthis captured Sanaa. Saudia Arabia responded with a merciless campaign of aerial bombardment, resulting in a humanitarian disaster of unbelievable proportions.

Christians are not permitted to be buried in the historic Yemeni capital, Sanaa, unless they accept a Muslim name; less than 0.5% of the population are Christians, most of them refugees from Ethiopia or expatriate workers Bring to the Lord Christian converts in Yemen, who officially face the death penalty for apostasy and unofficially rejection by family and community. Pray that they will stand strong in the mighty power of the Lord (Ephesians 6:10). Call out to the Lord for an end to the conflict and a change in the government’s discriminatory attitude toward Ethiopian refugees and other Christians. 47

Martyrs Barnabas Fund Projects include: Support for families of 21 Egyptian martyrs (11-1240) Syrian Widows (49-1307)

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul,” said Jesus to His followers during His earthly ministry (Matthew 10:28).

wo millennia later, our Lord’s words encourage Christians in Egypt, Nigeria, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan and many other countries. In May 2017, Islamic State (IS) murdered 29 Egyptian Christians – among them children – in Minya province, when they refused to renounce their faith at gunpoint. Radical jihadists like IS believe that they are pleasing Allah by killing the “people of the cross.” IS’ attempts at religious cleansing in Syria and Iraq, and relentless raids on Christian villages in northern Nigeria by Boko Haram are all part of this campaign against the followers of Jesus. Christian converts from other religions risk being killed, often by relatives, sometimes by the community or by Islamist militants. Some governments also target Christians, especially converts from Islam; they can be punished for various pretexts or occasionally sentenced to death for apostasy. Many families lose their only breadwinner when a husband or father is martyred. They need timely and practical help. Barnabas is supporting the dependants of 21 Egyptian martyrs

beheaded by IS in Libya in 2015. We are also assisting families of other martyrs, including widows in Aleppo and many individuals or small groups. On occasion, we have helped with funeral costs where grieving families could not afford even a coffin for their loved ones.

Mina, killed in the 2017 Palm Sunday suicide bombings of two churches in Egypt, and his son Kirillos, who is among the injured being helped by Barnabas Fund Thank God for the assurance of eternal life for all who believe in Jesus. Praise Him for the perseverance of believers who did not cling to life in the face of death (Revelation 12:11). Ask that their sacrifice will embolden others to endure and demonstrate the truth and power of the Gospel to their killers. Pray, too, that in their grief, the Lord will comfort those left behind and give them His peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Zimbabwe Barnabas Fund Projects include: Zimbabwe Agricultural training (91-751) Zimbabwe General Fund (91-806)

fter 37 years in office, President Robert Mugabe surrendered power in November 2017, following a peaceful “coup” by Zimbabwe’s army and pressure from his political party. Mugabe had included Christians amongst his targets for repression. Religious gatherings critical of his government were categorised as political events; hence, public Christian events such as prayer rallies were monitored. “I’m just about to finish preaching and I’m told the police are waiting outside,” said Pastor Evan Mawarire to his shocked congregation, shortly before he was arrested in September last year. In spite of the constitution guaranteeing religious freedom and freedom of expression, Christian leaders, churches, and religiously-affiliated NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) perceived to disagree with the former president were harassed. Later that month, Mawarire was acquitted for the second time of attempting to subvert the government. Immediately after, he was hit with a new charge of promoting violence. His “This Flag” movement inspired large-scale protests against the former president’s totalitarian rule. Its call for justice to be restored in the country resonated with the country’s 85% Christian population. He was only one of many brave Christian leaders speaking up for justice in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe is still recovering from the ravages of the 2015-16 drought, which was its worst in living memory. Although last year saw improved rains, the AprilMay harvests were not universally plentiful, due to flooding and other problems. Barnabas Fund has provided maize meal, seeds and fertiliser, and also funds training in a Christian-inspired farming method that can give good yields even in drought conditions.

The 2015-16 drought was the worst in living memory. Barnabas Fund is providing seeds, fertiliser and training so Christians like Violet can grow enough to provide for their families

Entreat the Lord that Zimbabwe’s new leadership will fear God (Exodus 18:21), and respect religious freedom. Join hands with our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters, and cry to the Lord with “a faith that can move mountains” (1 Corinthians 13:2) for the recent drought to remain a thing of the past. Praise the Lord for the courage of his servants, who speak the truth to authority and are persecuted for it. Pray that they will not be discouraged, but continue to live in and speak the truth. 49

A living hope “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

hristians celebrate Christ’s glorious resurrection as a moment of joyous victory. We can cling to a wondrous hope that goes beyond the grave, no matter what we are going through in this life. Christ’s resurrection assures Christian brothers and sisters enduring persecution that their life is hidden with Him. Jesus comforts them through His promise that they will appear with Him in glory. As the Body of Christ, we do not turn a deaf ear to their suffering and ignore their cries. Barnabas Fund has the profound and great privilege of being a channel of love, prayers and support from caring parts of the Body of Christ to those that are hurting. The writer to the Hebrews encourages believers with the words, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23) In the midst of terrible trials, Christians facing

persecution persevere in the knowledge that Jesus can identify completely with their plight. The Son of God has borne their griefs and their sorrows and will one day reward His saints with a crown of life and the commendation “good and faithful servant.” As we stand together with our persecuted brothers and sisters, we can look ahead to the moment when, in the words of John Newton’s hymn, “grace will lead us home” – home into the welcoming arms of our loving Saviour.

Karen Christian refugee children from Myanmar praying Praise God for the hope we have, that all who are in Christ have already been made alive with Him (Ephesians 2:5) and will one day be with Him in glory. Pray for our brothers and sisters who today face harassment, discrimination, violence and persecution, that they will hold firm in the assurance of that living hope and be sustained through the comfort and power of the Holy Spirit.

YES, I WANT TO HELP PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS* Title..................Name........................................................................................................................ Address............................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................................... Postcode............................. Telephone........................................................................................... Email.......................................................................

PPC 18

GIFT AID DECLARATION (Applicable to UK tax payers only) Boost your donation by 25p of Gift Aid for every £1 you donate Gift Aid is reclaimed by the charity from the tax you pay for the current tax year. Your address is needed to identify you as a current UK taxpayer, please fill in the address section at the top of the page. In order to Gift Aid your donation you must mark the box below: I want to Gift Aid this donation and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past to: Barnabas Fund. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference. Please notify Barnabas Fund if your circumstances change.

If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code.

For Single Donations I / We want to bring hope to the persecuted Church by a single gift, to be used: where it is most needed (General Fund) or for ........................................ (give reference number of project to be supported)*.

Here is my single gift of £ ............................................................. I enclose a cheque/voucher payable to “Barnabas Fund” OR Please debit my Maestro

Visa

Mastercard

American Express

CAF card /other charity card

Card Number Maestro issue number Expiry Date

or issue date

Signature............................................

I do not require an acknowledgement of this gift

Please return this form to your nearest Barnabas Fund office (addresses on the back cover).

If you are a UK tax-payer, please complete the Gift Aid Declaration above to enable us to reclaim tax on all your donations at no extra cost to you.

For Regular Donations

PPC 18

I / We want to bring hope to the persecuted Church by a regular gift, to be used: where it is most needed (General Fund) or for ................................................ (give reference number of project to be supported)*. Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms / Rev / Dr / Other...................................... (delete as applicable) Name �� Address �� ........................................................................................ Postcode �� Telephone ........................................................ Email �� DIRECT DEBIT (for UK supporters only) I would like to give a regular gift of: £..........................(amount in words) ................................................................ Please start on 1st/3rd/7th/11th/15th/21st/28th (delete as applicable) of ........................................(month) and then every month/quarter/year until further notice. This Direct Debit is a new one/in addition to/replaces an earlier Standing Order/Direct Debit in favour of Barnabas Fund. THE DIRECT DEBIT GUARANTEE Please fill in the whole form using a ball Service user number point pen and send to: Barnabas Fund, 9 Priory Row, Coventry CV1 5EX Name and full postal address of your bank or building society To: The Manager

Bank/building society

Address Postcode

Name(s) of account holder(s)

Bank/building society account number

Branch sort code

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society Please pay Barnabas Fund Direct Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured to by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Barnabas Fund and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

This Guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits. If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit Barnabas Fund will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Barnabas Fund to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by Barnabas Fund or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Barnabas Fund asks you to. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

Signature(s)

Date

Reference (Barnabas Fund to complete)

Alternatively, Direct Debits and regular credit card donations can be set up via www.barnabasfund.org

Please return this form to Barnabas Fund and not to your bank. See back cover of this catalogue for address details. If you are a UK tax-payer, please complete the Gift Aid Declaration on p.i to enable us to reclaim the tax on your regular payments. *If the project chosen is already sufficiently funded, we reserve the right to use designated gifts for another project of a similar type.

Barnabas Fund is a company registered in England number 4029536, Registered Charity no. 1092935

barnabasfund.org

Lent prayer diary For those who are using this prayer booklet in Lent 2018, the following schedule of readings and prayers is suggested. It begins on Ash Wednesday, 14 February, and finishes on Easter Day, 1 April. 14 February

15 February

16 February

17 February

18 February

19 February

Afghanistan

Algeria

Bangladesh

CAR

Victims of violence

China

20 February

21 February

22 February

23 February

24 February

25 February

Egypt

Eritrea

Holy Land

Indonesia

Iran

Children

26 February

27 February

28 February

1 March

2 March

3 March

Iraq

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

Libya

4 March

5 March

6 March

7 March

8 March

9 March

Refugees

Maldives

Morocco

Myanmar

Nepal

Nigeria

10 March

11 March

12 March

13 March

14 March

15 March

North Korea

Pastors & Evangelists

Pakistan

Philippines

Russia

Saudi Arabia

16 March

17 March

18 March

19 March

20 March

21 March

Somalia

Sri Lanka

Women

Sudan

Syria

Tajikistan

22 March

23 March

24 March

25 March

26 March

27 March

Tanzania

Thailand

Turkey

Converts

Turkmenistan

Uzbekistan

28 March

29 March

30 March

31 March

1 April

Vietnam

Yemen

Martyrs

Zimbabwe

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Living Hopeâ&#x20AC;? 53

International Headquarters The Old Rectory, River Street, Pewsey, Wiltshire SN9 5DB, UK Telephone 01672 564938 Fax 01672 565030 From outside UK: Telephone +44 1672 564938 Fax +44 1672 565030 Email info@barnabasfund.org UK 9 Priory Row, Coventry CV1 5EX Telephone 024 7623 1923 Fax 024 7683 4718 From outside the UK Telephone +44 24 7623 1923 Fax +44 24 7683 4718 Email info@barnabasfund.org Registered charity number 1092935 Company registered in England number 4029536 For a list of all trustees, please contact Barnabas Fund UK at the Coventry address above. Australia PO BOX 3527, LOGANHOLME, QLD 4129 Telephone (07) 3806 1076 or 1300 365 799 Fax (07) 3806 4076 Email bfaustralia@barnabasfund.org Germany German supporters may send gifts for Barnabas Fund via Hilfe für Brüder who will provide you with a tax-deductible receipt. Please mention that the donation is for “SPC 20 Barnabas Fund”. If you would like your donation to go to a specific project of Barnabas Fund, please inform the Barnabas Fund office in Pewsey, UK. Account holder: Hilfe für Brüder International e.V. Account number: 415 600 Bank: Evang Kreditgenossenschaft Stuttgart IBAN: DE89520604100000415600 BIC: GENODEF1EK1

New Zealand PO Box 276018, Manukau City, Auckland, 2241 Telephone (09) 280 4385 or 0800 008 805 Email office@barnabasfund.org.nz Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland PO Box 354, Bangor, BT20 9EQ Telephone 028 91 455 246 or 07875 539003 Email ireland@barnabasfund.org Singapore Cheques in Singapore dollars payable to “Olive Aid Trust” may be sent to: Olives Aid Sdn Bhd, P.O. Box 03124 Subang Jaya, 47507 Selangor, MALAYSIA Singaporean supporters may send gifts for Barnabas Fund online via Olive Aid Trust: Beneficiary: OLIVE AID TRUST Bank Name: United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Berhad Swift Code: UOVBMYKL Location: KUALA LUMPUR Account Number: 140-901-654-0 USA 6731 Curran St, McLean, VA 22101 Telephone (703) 288-1681 or toll-free 1-866-936-2525 Fax (703) 288-1682 Email usa@barnabasaid.org

Published by Barnabas Aid Inc. 6731 Curran St, McLean, Virginia 22101, USA Registered charity number 1092935 Company registered in England number 4029536

barnabasfund.org