Category: Life in Christ

Christian Persecution: In the West, Where the War Is Forced Upon Us

Christian Persecution: In the West, Where the War Is Forced Upon Us.

September 7, 2012 By  8 Comments

Hearings on a discrimination suit filed by four British Christians against their government began September 4 in the European Court of Human Rights. The Christians say that they have lost their jobs because they would not comply with demands that they violate their Christian faith.

Their complaints range from a woman who was fired because she wore a cross on a necklace to work, to a registrar who lost her job because she refused to conduct same-sex cvil partnerships. These people have been the object of ridicule for filing these claims. But they have persisted, even in the face of predictions that they will ultimately lose the case. This article from The Telegraph gives more details: Continue reading “Christian Persecution: In the West, Where the War Is Forced Upon Us” →

Please pray for believers in Bhutan

September 8-9 | Bhutan – In some of Bhutan’s provinces, neighbors do not welcome the presence of Christians, especially when they gather for worship and fellowship.

BHUTAN – located on the southern slopes of the eastern Himalayas, is landlocked between the Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to the west and south…. The land consists mostly of steep and high mountains crisscrossed by a network of swift rivers, which form deep valleys before draining into the Indian plains.

RELIGION – It is estimated that between two-thirds and three-quarters of the Bhutanese population follow Vajrayana Buddhism, which is also the state religion. About one-quarter to one-third are followers of Hinduism. Other religions account for less than 1% of the population.[69] The current legal framework, in principle guarantees freedom of religion; proselytism, however, is forbidden by a royal government decision[69] and by judicial interpretation of the Constitution.[70]

Wikipedia makes no mention of Christianity. However, OPEN DOORS indicates that there are  approx 16,500 believers meeting primarily in homes –

As the country moves from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy, the situation is likely to change for believers. The church in Bhutan is no longer an underground church, since Christians are allowed to meet in private homes without any interference from the authorities. However, Christians in remote villages encounter more difficulties. The government is exploring possibilities for church registration, but is also concerned to prevent evangelism and is considering an amendment to the penal code aimed at prohibiting ‘conversion by coercion or inducement’.

Pray that God will provide opportunities for believers in Bhutan to practice their faith without antagonizing their community. Pray that they will gain the good will and favor of their neighbors.

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

Please pray for believers in Bangladesh

September 7 | Bangladesh – Female Muslim Background Believers (MBBs) in Bangladesh come to Christ through the conversion of their husbands. They need teaching opportunities to know more about their salvation in Jesus Christ.

Open Doors will open discipleship classes which have been especially designed for them, starting in August.

Please pray for God’s blessing for the organizers, teachers and participants.

BANGLADESH is one of the most densely populated countries in the world – with a total of 161 million crowded in at 2600 people / square mile. Most of the country is less than 40 ft above sea level and, because of it’s extensive water delta system, is prone to flooding and natural disaster.  In September 1998, Bangladesh saw the most severe flooding in modern world
history – Wikipedia.

Islam is the largest religion of Bangladesh; Muslims constitute 89.5 % of the population followed by Hindus who constitute  9.6 %. The remainder of Bangladeshis practice other religions such as Buddhism and Christianity.[1] 

The plight of Bangladesh’s approximately 1.4 million believers is described by Open Doors – click here.

In June 2011  the government decided to retain Islam as the state religion. Amendments to the  constitution are being proposed which seek to restore certain aspects of  secularism, but for the Christian minority, little change is expected. In  general, believers have freedom to worship. However, conversion from Islam is  considered shameful and evangelising Muslims is risky. Local authorities and  the Muslim majority may disturb church meetings or put believers under  pressure. There were reports of Christians being physically harmed, and homes  or meeting places attacked.

“May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples.” (Gen. 28:3)

Morning Reading: John 6.18-20 NLT

Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!”
John 6.18-20 NLT