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SEPTEMBER 2015
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Supreme Surrender Responding to the Supreme Court’s Ruling on Gay Marriage Indonesia
Protest Palace
China
Crosses on China’s Horizon?
Middle East
A Flood of Refugees
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President’s Letter
God Calling Jeff King, President International Christian Concern
Have you noticed that the world has been barking at Christians in the US and the West in general? In case you have been under a rock for the last 30 years, the culture has quickly shifted under our feet and the Church is on the defensive with the recent Supreme Court decision on gay marriage being only the most recent troubling case that has gone against us. For those that can see over the horizon, it surely looks like the winds are picking up and a storm is blowing in. The Christian response to the most recent decision and the trend as a whole ranges from apathy, to anger, to trembling. The Church is neither united or articulate. It seems to be generally asleep and either unaware of where things may be heading or at a loss as to what to do about it. Regardless, of where things go, the dogs are barking and we are beginning to experience the very early stages of persecution. As a result, we are starting to get some understanding of the persecuted Church and that’s not all bad. Persecution washes and purifies the Church. You know that sales guy in your church who is there for networking? He’s gone! You know the girl that comes to find a good guy to settle down with but isn’t living out a Christian life or in love with the Lord? She’s gone! That’s very simplistic but persecution washes out the rich young ruler and those who don’t have the Lord first in their life. It washes out the double-minded until you get down to those who echo the apostles and say, I can’t leave the Church for Jesus has the words of eternal life. While we call out to God for a revived Church, would you join me in serving those who have paid the full price for their choice to follow Jesus? The suffering Church needs you and the Lord calls you to this service. Together, let’s partner to bandage (and BUILD!) the suffering Church. As always, your donations will be used efficiently, effectively, and ethically. I Promise! Jeff King
President, International Christian Concern / Persecution.org
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Belgium Rescues 200 Syrian Christians
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South Sudanese Pastors’ Attorneys Present Defense
Deadly Heat Wave Devastates Pakistan’s Christians
1 | South sudan In the ongoing case of two South Sudanese pastors imprisoned for their faith, Peter Yein Reith and Yat Michael Ruot, the defense was given the opportunity to refute questionable evidence in their death penalty trial on July 14. The pastors stand charged with a total of six crimes, including undermining the constitutional system, espionage, breach of public peace, offenses relating to insulting religious beliefs and promoting hatred among sects. More than one of these offenses carry the potential for execution, while the rest could result in either jail time, lashes, or fines. In the attorney’s closing statements, the defense argued that the judge should drop all charges due to the absence of physical evidence in the case. The pastors, who have been denied access to their families, were transferred from low security Omdurman Men’s Prison to high security Kober Prison in early June. Despite his very limited access to his clients, defense attorney Mohaned Mustafa called upon two expert witnesses to testify that the evidence presented by the state could have been easily planted onto the pastors’ computers. The case has drawn both international attention and pressure, which appears to have affected the Sudanese government.
2 | Pakistan For many weeks from May through July, a deadly heat wave swept across the southern region of Pakistan. For weeks at a time, cities in the area recorded daily temperatures that climbed over 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest recorded temperature during the heat wave took place on May 24 with temperatures at 121 degrees Fahrenheit. According to reports from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, 65,000 heatstroke patients were treated in the city of Karachi’s hospitals within the span of June 20 to July 1 alone. Unfortunately, many who were affected by the heat wave were unable to receive the necessary treatment which led to a death toll in the thousands. It is reported that 1,214 people died in Karachi from June 20 to July 1. Further still, this figure only accounts for those whose deaths were reported in hospitals, not accounting for those who were unable to reach medical help or those who died in their homes. During this heat wave, Christians were disproportionately affected by the high temperatures due to their low economic status as a result of widespread religious discrimination. Local hospital officials have reported that the majority of those who died came from a lower economic status or were homeless, which is the reality for countless Christians throughout Pakistan.
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3 | Belgium Throughout the summer, many civil society organizations partnered with Belgian officials to assist in the process of bringing families in war-torn Syria to safety. With extreme secrecy, approximately 240 individuals from the city of Aleppo who were in danger of facing further persecution were brought to Lebanon. These families, who were initially forced to flee their homes, are expected to be granted asylum in Belgium. The city of Aleppo has been torn apart by three years of intense fighting between rebels, jihadists, and government powers. Prior to the war, Syria had one of the largest Christian populations within the Middle East. Unfortunately, many religious minorities are now struggling to survive as they are denied access to their most basic needs. This serves as just one example of the hardships facing Christians caught up in this violent conflict.
SEPTEMBER 2015
Nearly 100 Services Outside Indonesia’s Presidential Palace 4 | Indonesia Following the wrongful closing of their church buildings, two churches in Jakarta, Indonesia, have been gathering for joint services every other Sunday outside of the presidential palace in protest. The services attract hundreds of Christians gathering to sing worship songs and listen to Bible teachings. Although the meetings have taken place nearly 100 times, members of the church still have hope and are calling upon Christians worldwide to stand with them in solidarity.
One-Year Anniversary of Hindi Attack
5 | kenya On July 6, the world recognized the one-year anniversary of the tragic attack by al-Shabaab on the small village of Malamade, outside of Hindi, Kenya. During the attack, gunmen stormed the village and killed 15 people, specifically targeting Christian men who refused to convert to Islam. Twenty homes were razed in the attack, leaving many villagers both grieving and homeless. Over a year later, despite facing trauma, sickness, hunger and fear, the townspeople still cling tightly to their faith. As we reflect on the attack a year later, we commemorate those who held fast to Christ in their final moments and thank God for the hope that remains in the village of Malamade.
The charred remains of a Christian home stand as a reminder of the brutal Islamist attack on Hindi.
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Human Rights Lawyers Harassed in China 6 | China According to reports, a group of lawyers in China were harassed and threatened by a group of over 100 people due to their work in investigating the persecution of a Christian house church. It is suspected that the attackers were mobilized by a special police unit in the local authorities’ efforts to prevent Chinese citizens from maintaining their rights to freely worship and practice the religion of their choice.
Al-Shabaab Murders 14 Christians
7 | KENYA As a part of al-Shabaab’s campaign of violence that took place throughout the Muslim holiday month of Ramadan, one particular attack claimed the lives of at least 14 Christians. The attack occurred in the middle of the night when a group of men associated with al-Shabaab stormed a housing compound with both shooting and using explosives. A spokesman from the terror group stated that the incident was responsible for the killings of one dozen individuals who he referenced as Christians, indicating the religious nature of the attack. In addition to the 14 that were brutally murdered, another 11 were left injured.
Workers carry out the bodies of 14 Christians murdered by al-Shabaab in Kenya on Ramadan.
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Radicals Increase Violence Against Christians During Ramadan 1 | ramadan Throughout the Muslim holiday month of Ramadan, radical Islamic groups escalated in their campaign of violence, murdering scores of innocent civilians. Throughout Africa, Boko Haram and al-Shabaab increased their attacks in Nigeria and Kenya, respectively, during the month. The extremist groups targeted anyone who they determined to be “unbelievers” of their sect of Islam, with attacks affecting Christians and Muslims alike. Al-Shabaab gained worldwide attention in early April during their gruesome attack on Garissa University College in northeastern Kenya. According to witnesses, attackers reportedly separated Christians from Muslims and then proceeded to execute the Christians while releasing the Muslims. Ramadan, which takes place from June 17 until July 17, is viewed as a holy month within the Muslim world. While fasting, generosity, and piety take on added significance for moderate Muslims, the same is true for acts of jihad among radical groups. The two groups personally admitted their intentions in escalating in violence for the month of Ramadan. According to the New York Times, Boko
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Haram promised “a month of disasters for infidels.” Voicing similar objectives, according to the Christian Post, a commander of al-Shabaab stated, “We are planning to give Kenya non-believers a true taste of Jihad in the next few days and weeks.” Tragically, the death toll in Nigeria alone rose to over 200 during the period of Ramadan, with victims from churches, mosques, and non-religious buildings. Although both al-Shabaab and Boko Haram are both well known for their violence against Christians, the Ramadan attacks also targeted fellow Muslims who do not share the same set of particular beliefs. Boko Haram has targeted Muslims during their evening prayers multiple times while al-Shabaab has disrupted Muslim prayer services to preach in their efforts to bring others into their extremist ideology. In the months following Ramadan, many Christians throughout Africa have been forced to prepare themselves for future persecution. In spite of the increased violence and suffering that recently took place in Nigeria and Kenya, countless Christians have clung to the peace and hope found only through Jesus Christ.
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Five Reasons for Christians to Stay in the Middle East 2 | middle east Christians throughout the Middle East face an agonizing decision. They must choose between staying in their own countries while facing desperate conditions including hunger and poverty or risking their lives by attempting to immigrate to the United States or Europe, while crossing through lands infested with traffickers and dangerous sea voyages. Chris Seiple of National Catholic Reporter detailed a list of reasons for why Christians should stay in the Middle East. First, he says, evacuation would be based on bad logic. The possibility of Congress and European governments accepting only Christian refugees would be both a lengthy and costly proposal in addition to the fact that it violates most international laws. Second, evacuation of Christians from the Middle East would be bad business. The resources necessary to make this type of mass exodus possible would likely lead toward a worsening in business malpractice, as seen in the increase in slavery during Sudan’s civil war. Third, mass emigration of this nature would be bad geopolitics. By removing Christians from the region, and thereby decreasing religious freedom, there would be an inevitable shift toward greater political instability, human rights violations, and economic downturn. Fourth, Seiple states that leaving would be poor theology because throughout history, when crises came to Mediterranean cities, Christians stayed where they were, suffered together, and grew in their faith by doing so. Perhaps the most important and final reason is that most Middle Eastern Christians do not want to leave and would rather be able to return to their homes and live in peace.
SEPTEMBER 2015
Violence Rising in Nigeria from Fulani Herdsmen 3| nigeria The summer of 2015 proved to be a painful one for Christians living throughout the “Middle Belt” of Nigeria. Often overshadowed in the media by the violence caused in northern Nigeria by Boko Haram, violence has undoubtedly trickled south. Muslim Fulani herdsmen continue to attack Christians with the same frequency and ferocity often seen in ethnic cleansing. The violence toward Christians by these herdsmen has traditionally been explained as vengeance for the theft of cattle and long held grazing disputes. However, due to the military-grade weaponry recently used by the herdsmen, the direct attacks targeting Christian homes and churches, and the recent calls among Fulani herdsmen for the use of Islamic Sharia law, it is clear that religious persecution is a key factor.
Despite claims of progress in human rights, China continues its campaign of removing crosses and persecuting activists.
The United Nations opened a new office in Seoul, South Korea, this June to investigate human rights abuses in North Korea.
Contrasting Reports on Human Rights in China
UN Opens Seoul Office to Investigate North Korea
4 | china In early June, the Chinese government released a report, called “Progress in China’s Human Rights in 2014,” in an effort to deflect criticism about its recent cross removal campaign and crackdown on human rights activists. In contrast to the reports of progress, ICC has steadily received reports of the destruction of church buildings and the removal of crosses, in spite of the overwhelmingly negative public response from local Christians. The widespread nature of religious persecution in China indicates that there is unspoken approval of these activities from even the highest levels of government.
5 | north korea In June, the United Nations (UN) opened a new office in the city of Seoul, South Korea, in order to better investigate human rights abuses in North Korea. This serves as an encouraging first step toward confronting the egregious persecution that takes place under a regime considered by many to be the world’s worst offender of human rights. International pressure has been increasing against the capital city of Pyongyang after the UN released a report detailing the horrors of North Korea’s systematic human rights abuses, including enslavement, sexual abuse, imprisonment, torture and execution.
One Year Anniversary of the Fall of Mosul to ISIS 6 | iraq On June 10, the world, along with International Christian Concern, recognized the one-year anniversary of the fall of Mosul, Iraq, to the jihadist terror group ISIS. In a matter of 24 hours, over 500,000 people fled the city and, since then, more than 3 million people from Iraq have been driven from their homes. Although many Christians fled from the city of Mosul to surrounding Christian villages, ISIS shortly thereafter seized Qaraqosh, commonly referred to Iraq’s Christian capital and the home of approximately 50,000 believers. The entire region has been emptied of its Christian population for the first time in roughly 1,800 years. For those driven from their homes, the need for humanitarian aid remains urgent and the chances of returning to their homes in the near future remain slim.
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Volunteers
Demonstrating the Love of God in Wake of Nepal Earthquake
A Voice for the Persecuted
pastor prem b. volunteer special projects
johanna maloof-shoucair volunteer awareness
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n April, the world watched the news with horror as they saw the country of Nepal devastated by a massive earthquake. Homes were destroyed. Buildings were toppled. Thousands lost their lives. ICC volunteer Pastor Prem B. knew he had to take action. He and his church raised the necessary funds to bring relief packages to those affected by the earthquake. After traveling four to five days on foot and taking a 10-hour drive for the supply truck to a remote village in central Nepal, Prem and his church reached the area in need. They then distributed the relief items among the villagers, providing blankets, tents, food and clothes to 300 families in need. Although the relief packages were vitally important, equally important was the impact that this project had on the hearts of the villagers. Pastor Prem reported that although many of the people they helped were Hindu and strongly opposed to Christianity, “many villages were touched and [felt] the love of God through this care.” Prem said that many of the villagers received the gifts with tears of joy in
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their eyes as they saw a true demonstration of the love of God. As a volunteer with ICC, Prem, along with his church, demonstrated what it means to truly care for those in need. Prem stated that he was motivated to carry out this project because, “Jesus is [the] father for [the] fatherless, poor and needy.” In the midst of the devastating circumstances, there has been no better time to show the love of Christ to those in need, both physically and spiritually. Although progress has been made since April, ICC and Pastor Prem would appreciate your prayer for those affected by the earthquake in Nepal. There are still many in need as communities are forced to start over and rebuild their lives from the ground up as countless homes and churches have been destroyed.
‘Jesus is the father for the fatherless, poor and needy.’ PERSECU ION.org
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ne of the biggest needs in order to help the persecuted is simply sharing their stories. As a member of ICC’s volunteer program, Johanna Maloof-Shoucair has done just that through various outlets. She regularly posts about the persecuted Church through social media and a blog, in addition to informing family, friends and her church. Johanna has even created bumper stickers and shirts to promote the mission of ICC, which she both uses personally and distributes to others. When asked why she serves the persecuted, Johanna said that she was motivated by her “love and desire to serve God, for we are not meant to be silent, are to be there for our brethren and profess Christ’s name through all we do.” It may be intimidating to approach an issue as vast as religious persecution, but Johanna has rightly stated that “it’s simply a click away to help and bring awareness.” She has encouraged those who are considering volunteering to consider this important question: Would you want someone to be silent if this evil came to your town?
SEPTEMBER 2015
Looking for a Way to Make a Difference in the World? Join Our Team of Volunteers! For those wishing to make an impact on behalf of persecuted Christians, many are not sure how to get started. However, volunteers all over the world are making a difference within their own communities as members of ICC’s five volunteer teams: Advocacy, Awareness, Office, Prayer and Special Projects. By standing up for the persecuted in various creative ways, ICC’s volunteers have played a part in connecting the global Church by bridging the gap between the persecuted and the Western Church. It only takes one person to make a difference – are you willing to take the call?
Volunteers are translating ICC materials for their churches.
One volunteer has launched a prayer group for the persecuted.
Tearing Down Language Barriers
Praying for the Persecuted Church
s the bridge to the international persecuted Church, one obstacle that occasionally arises is the language barrier. Two volunteers have stepped up to help fill this need. They have dedicated their time to translating ICC’s materials, specifically prayer requests for the persecuted, into Korean to meet the needs in their churches. By making this information more readily available to their congregations, these volunteers have provided an opportunity for their churches to get involved on behalf of those suffering for their faith. These two volunteers have served not only as the gateway to ICC within their churches, but as gateways to the persecuted.
ne of the common threads when speaking with those who face violence and discrimination for their faith is the request for prayer. One volunteer and his wife have dedicated countless hours to filling this request. When he first learned of the extent of religious persecution, this volunteer decided to reach out to his church to start up a regular prayer group dedicated to prayer solely for those facing religious persecution. The group meets on a monthly basis to gather in prayer according to ICC’s free monthly prayer calendar and various stories in the news about persecution.
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Volunteer Teams 1 Advocacy Fight for justice for the persecuted through petitions, embassy calls and more.
2 Awareness Raise your voice for the persecuted Church through speaking in churches, writing and social media.
3 Office Lighten the load of our staff by helping with administrative tasks. 4 Prayer Intercede for our brothers and sisters in Christ, both individually and as a church.
Interested in Serving? Online Apply on our website at: http://www.persecution.org/how-you-canhelp/volunteer or send an email to volunteer@persecution.org
Phone Want more information? Feel free to call us at (301) 585-5915.
5 Special Projects Volunteer on your own schedule through one-time projects.
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You Can Help Today!
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Send donations to: ICC po box 8056 silver spring, md 20907 or online at www.persecution.org or by phone 800-icc-5441
Giving to ICC via your Will Provide now for a future gift to ICC by including a bequest provision in your will or revocable trust. If you would like more information on giving to ICC in this way, please give us a call at 1-800-ICC-5441.
Š Copyright 2015 ICC, Washington, D.C., USA. All rights reserved. Permission to reproduce all or part of this publication is granted provided attribution is given to ICC as the source.
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