CHINA – Pastor Sent to Labor Camp – China Aid Association
On June 29, Pastor Dou Shaowen, who is currently serving a one-year sentence for “engaging in illegal activities,” was secretly transferred to Shifo Re-education Through Labor Center in Zhengzhou city, Henan province, according to China Aid Association. His family was not informed of his transfer. Pastor Dou, his wife Feng Lu and five other believers were arrested on June 14 when government officials raided and closed the Rock Church. The police confiscated computers and other church property. Pastor Dou and his wife were sentenced to a year in prison and the other believers were sentenced to 15 days in detention and fined 500 Yuan (US$ 73). Feng Lu, however, will serve her sentence at home so she can care for the couple’s 12 year-old daughter. China Aid reported Pastor Dou has been treated inhumanely in the labor camp. “When he wanted to talk to the police officers, he was forced to squat. He worked 18 hours a day from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight. Over 70 people sleep in a room,” a source at China Aid said. “Due to the hot weather and the poor sanitary condition … some prisoners have eczema, herpes and other skin diseases. They have to work 18 hours a day without enough to eat.” Feng Lu tried to visit her husband in prison, but was told she was not allowed to visit him for a month. She is required to report to the Public Security Bureau police regularly, and could be sent to labor camp again if she is found “engaging in illegal religious activities” again.
SOMALIA – Christian man murdered – VOM Sources
On July 20, a convert from Islam to Christianity was murdered in the city of Mahadday Weyne, Somalia by members of al-Shabaab, a militant group with ties to Al-Qaeda, according to Compass Direct News. Mohammed Sheikh Abdiraman, who had been a Christian for 15 years and was the leader of a group of underground believers, was shot at approximately 7:00 a.m. He is survived by two children, ages 10 and 15. His wife died three years ago due to illness. Ask God to comfort and guide Abdiraman’s children in this difficult time. Pray that increased persecution will result in increased boldness among believers in Somalia.
SRI LANKA – Pastor Assaulted – National Christian Evangelical Alliance
On July 23, a pastor of a church in Polonnaruwa district, North Central Province, Sri Lanka was brutally attacked by unknown assailants, according to the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. The pastor was driving home from a prayer meeting when a group of men on motorcycles called out to him. When he stopped his vehicle and rolled down his window, the assailants attacked him with knives. He was able to prevent them from slashing his neck but sustained severe arm injuries. His vehicle was also damaged. The pastor eventually fled the scene and sought help. Pray for healing for the injured pastor. Ask God to bless the ministry of Christian workers spreading the Gospel in Sri Lanka amid opposition.
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One Response to “Week of July 31”
Thanx Wade. It is very humbling to know the persecution our brothers and sisters in Christ are facing in other parts of the world. Let us pray that their boldness and courage continues, and that we might be as bold to proclaim the gospel.