Voice of the Martyrs : House Church Leader Kidnapped

An excerpt from a Crosswalk.com eNewsletter:

IRAQ — House Church Leader Kidnapped

In Dehouk, Iraq, tears streamed down a young girl's face as she explained to VOM worker how a Muslim group broke into her home and took her father. The active house church planter Jamal works among the Shabak people, who have Jewish roots and speak Arabic and Kurdish. The VOM worker said Jamal was a very dedicated gospel worker. VOM sources believe a fundamentalist Muslim group, possibly Al Qaeda, kidnapped Jamal because he has led many Muslims to Christ. The home of one of Jamal's recent converts was sprayed with machine gun...  READ MORE

I realize it's hard to believe persecution and martyrdom still runs rampant in the world today.  That's why I have this blog.  Even if I only post occasionally, I want everyone to realize what's really going on... especially in the "world" of religion.  Take care and God Bless.

ICC PR: Afghan Christian Faces Potential Death Sentence for Apostasy

	The following Press Release was given by International Christian Concern  www.persecution.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Afghan Christian Faces Potential Death Sentence for Apostasy

Given One Week to Renounce Christian Faith

Washington, D.C. (January 3, 2011) – International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that a judge has given an Afghan convert from Islam to Christianity a week to renounce his faith, or else be sentenced with the death penalty or up to twenty years' imprisonment. The verdict is expected this week.

Shoaib Assadullah was arrested on October 21 in Mazar-e-Sharif for giving a Bible to a man who later reported him to local authorities. He is currently in a prison in Mazar-e-Sharif, in northern Afghanistan.

ICC sources closely following the case tell us that at a court hearing on December 28, Assadullah was told to recant Christianity and return to Islam. Pamir Productions spoke to Assadullah on December 31. Assadullah said, "he is quite certain that they [court officials] will give him the death penalty. At his last court appearance, the judge gave him one final week to renounce his faith otherwise he would be hanged or killed for his faith. Shoaib stated he has given his life completely into the hands of Jesus. He said he was so happy for the spiritual fight, saying, 'Without my faith I would not be able to live'."

In ICC source in Mazar-e-Sharif was told by a court official today that Assadullah will be summoned to court on January 4 at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Afghanistan is a signatory of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). According to article 18, "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

Aidan Clay, ICC Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, "Shoaib Assadullah may be given a death sentence as early as tomorrow if the international community does not act quickly. If Assadullah is executed, his death will signify the failure of the United States and her allies to liberate Afghanistan from the radical ideals of the Taliban after investing millions of dollars to reform the country's judicial system. We urge the international community to demand the immediate release of Assadullah and to hold Afghanistan accountable to its commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."

Call the Afghanistan embassy in your country to express your concern:

United States: +1 202 483 6410  
Canada: +1 613 563 4223 
United Kingdom: + 44 207 589 88 91/2
Germany: +49 22 825 1925
France: +33 1 45 25 05 29
Australia: +61 2 62827311 6282/6034

For interviews, contact Aidan Clay, Regional Manager for the Middle East: clay@persecution.org

ICC (International Christian Concern) | www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church.  For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please visit International Christian Concern to learn more about their mission and what they are about.  They can certainly use your help!

Bhutanese Man Sentenced To Three Years In Prison For Christian Film

Please follow the link below to learn about this man's story:

http://www.persecution.org/2010/10/29/bhutanese-man-sentenced-to-three-years-in-prison-for-christian-film/

Christian Persecution coming to the West?

I know you don’t want to hear this, but sadly, I fear it is coming upon us.  I also realize many folks out there won’t think twice about it - won’t think about the devastation of persecution or martyrdom.  But these things are real.  These things are real and not just for the “old world“ of the Bible.  Think about it.

Remember when slavery was supposedly abolished?  Do you realize slavery still goes on today.  Yes, even here in the USA.  Heard of Human Trafficking?

Well, not only does slavery still exist, but so does old-fashioned Christian Martyrdom and Persecution.

Please visit the following link and sign up for the upcoming newsletter:

http://persecution.org/comingpersecution/
courtesy of ICC - International Christian Concern.

There’s a book by dc Talk called Jesus Freaks.  See if your local library carries it.  Borrow it from someone.  Very good read.