Devastated by persecution in India

When Christianity reached a small village in Assam, India in 2012, it was met with extreme violence and led to seven Christian families being beaten, robbed and left homeless because of their faith. Hiding in the jungle with nothing, these Christians were left to wonder if the God of their new faith would provide for them in their time of need. Putting their trust in God to come to their aid, these Christians had their faith rewarded in more ways than they ever could have imagined.    Christianity Comes to Assam In 2012, one of Moneswar Rabha's daughters was very sick. Being a Hindu from a rural area of India and with little access to modern medicine, Moneswar turned to the Hindu priest of the village for help. The priest told Moneswar if he were to sacrifice one of his chickens to local Hindu gods, his daughter would be healed. "Upon hearing this, I sacrificed a chicken without success," Moneswar told ICC in an interview. "I then sacrificed more chickens to heal my daughter; still no healing." In total, Moneswar sacrificed over 20 chickens. When sacrificing chickens did nothing to heal his daughter, Moneswar returned to the village priest. Upon hearing the chickens did not work, the priest told Moneswar he needed to sacrifice a goat instead. Again, following the direction of the Hindu priest, Moneswar sacrificed a goat. Still his daughter's illness continued.   After the goat sacrifice failed to heal his daughter, Moneswar was desperate. Where else could he turn? If the gods weren't listening, what could he do to save her? Finally, someone from Moneswar's village told him about a Christian pastor traveling in the area. The villager told him he had seen Christians pray over people for healing. Desperate, Moneswar tracked down this traveling pastor and invited him to his home to pray over his daughter. After the pastor prayed over his daughter, she was healed. Moneswar and his family were astounded by this miracle and asked to be taught about Christianity. After several meetings, Moneswar and his entire family converted from Hinduism to Christianity and were baptized. A Night of Terror After his conversion experience, Moneswar could not keep his new faith to himself. "I would tell everyone I met about Christianity and the healing of my daughter," Moneswar said. "I wanted everyone to know." When the other villagers heard Moneswar's story about Christianity, many became interested in his new faith. After seven families in the village had converted to Christianity and a small house fellowship was formed, the Hindu village leaders felt threatened. They called Moneswar to a meeting where they told him he was no longer allowed to spread Christianity. The village leaders claimed Christianity was a foreign religion and warned Moneswar if he continued to spread it he would be punished. Despite this, Moneswar continued to talk about Christianity and hold regular fellowship meetings at his house. When the village leaders discovered Moneswar did not heed their warning, they rounded up a mob of radicals at night to punish Moneswar. Before the mob could find Moneswar, he was warned by another villager and fled into the jungle. Two other Christians from the village, Prasata and Michael, volunteered to go to Moneswar's home and protect his family from the radicals. When the mob arrived at the house, they demanded Moneswar be given over to them so they could teach him a lesson. When Prasata and Michael refused to let the mob into the house, they were beaten. The men then entered Moneswar's home and dragged his wife, Mala, into the street and beat her too. Barely conscious, the three Christians were taken to the meeting house of the village leaders where they were interrogated and beaten with flashlights into the late hours of the night. As they were tortured, their new faith was mocked. Their tormentors said, "If your Jesus is real, he would stop us from torturing you." The two men were beaten so badly their attackers believed they were dead. Worked up into a destructive frenzy, the mob went to the homes of all the Christian families in the village and destroyed everything. They beat the Christians they found, burned down their homes and looted all of the valuables. As the Christian families fled the village, they found Prasata, Michael and Mala in the meeting house and carried them off to safety. From that night on, these Christian families were banished from their village. Resettled and Restored Fortunately, this is not where the story ends. After the attack, ICC's Regional Manager for Central Asia, who had worked in Assam in the past, discovered the plight of these seven families and sent International Christian Concern's (ICC) India staff out to meet them and see how ICC could assist. ICC's India staff and Regional Manager for South Asia meeting with the persecuted family  heads from Assam. After discussing their options, ICC helped these persecuted families resettle in a new village where a Christian community was already established. ICC assisted with the construction of new homes, supplying food and starting sustainable businesses that will provide these families with livelihoods for years to come. In August 2013, ICC visited these seven families in their new village to see how they were doing now. "We were crying and hopeless when the radicals beat us, demolished our houses and looted everything," Moneswar said during ICC's visit. "We became poor in just a moment and worried about many things. God is the great provider. When we were driven from our village, I was working on a boat as only a laborer. I never thought I would be the owner of my own boat. I am very grateful that God led ICC to us to provide for us in our time of need." "During our distress, we were in sorrow," Michael told ICC. "Then one man came to us, asking about our wellbeing. This surprised us. Later we came to know that from the other side of the world, people were praying for us and wanted to make sure we were OK. This amazed us and boosted our faith. Only by God's grace we were able to overcome our distress. I thank God for not leaving us, but using us to glorify Him." For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for Africa:  RM-AfricaAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington, D.C.-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.

7 year old child in India murdered because of his faith

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that a seven-year-old boy in northern India was brutally tortured and murdered because of his family's Christian faith. This inhumane murder represents just one particularly brutal incident of Christian persecution as anti-Christian sentiments in India continues to grow. On November 17, Anmol left his home to attend Sunday School at a Believers Church in northern India and never returned. His father, Harish, initially believed that his son had decided to play with friends, but became concerned when Anmol did not return later that night. The next day, November 18, Harish and his wife filed a missing persons report with the local police. Later that day, police were contacted about a body found floating in a pond, which was later identified at a local hospital by Harish as his son. "It was very clear he was brutally murdered," reported a field correspondent for  Gospel for Asia. "[The murderer] had tortured the child in such an inhuman way. . ." According to the autopsy, Anmol's face was burned, his hands were slashed and then also burned, his mouth was tied shut, his abdomen burned when hot coals were likely stacked on his bare skin and his toes were broken. The most disturbing fact discovered in the autopsy was that Anmol's final cause of death was not the torture he endured, but was death by drowning. "It's unthinkable that this would happen to a little child like this," K.P. Yohannan, founder and international director of Gospel for Asia, said in a persecution report. "Persecution against Christians is an ongoing matter that we see happening every week. In fact, it's increased by 400 percent in the last several years, but the killing of a little child like this is unheard of." Many believe that Anmol was targeted because of his family's Christians faith. According to Gospel for Asia, Anmol's father, Harish, converted to Christianity in 2003 and later became a successful evangelist bringing many people in his area to the Christian faith. Local Hindu radicals had threatened Harish on many occasions, but he could have never imagined the brutality that would be unleashed on his son for his evangelical work.     ICC's Regional Manager, William Stark, said, "Attacks on Christians in India, especially attacks on Christian leaders and new converts, have been dramatically increasing. Members of Hindu radical groups have shown a willingness to use extreme violence to drive Christians out of their villages and keep other Hindus from converting to Christianity. The brutal attack on this young Christian boy is absolutely despicable and must be condemned by all of India's diverse society.  In many areas across India, Christians are allowed to be attacked with impunity. The perpetrators of this heinous act must be brought to justice and decisive action must be taken by India to protect Christians' rights to religious freedom." For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for Africa:   RM-AfricaAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, 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.

71 Chrisitians killed in coordinated attacks in Nigeria

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that at least 71 Christians, including women and children, have been indiscriminately murdered in a series of attacks on Christian villages in Nigeria's northern and middle belt regions. The slaughter of Christians in Nigeria continues to accelerate despite the U.S. State Department recently designating the Islamic extremist groups Boko Haram and its affiliate Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Organizations earlier this month, allowing the U.S. to take more direct action against the groups. In the early morning hours of November 26, four predominately Christian villages in Nigeria's Plateau state, including the villages of Rawuru, Tasu, Foron and Gurabok, were attacked by Muslim Fulani herdsman. In a press statement released by the military's Special Task Force spokesman, Salisu Mustapha, it was reported that at least 37 people were killed, an untold number were injured and several Christian homes were destroyed. Spokesperson for the Plateau State Command of the Nigeria Police, Felicia Anselem, stated that the attacks seem to be part of a coordinated plan. "The attacks were carried out at about 1 a.m. this morning," Anselem said. "The attackers attacked the villages at the same time, having gone there in groups." Christian leaders believe that Islamic extremist groups like Boko Haram and Ansaru are inciting the Fulani Muslims to attack Christians living in Nigeria's middle belt region. According to Morning Star News, "hit-and-run, guerrilla-style attacks on Christian villages in which children are shot to death as they sleep support [the Christian leaders] suspicion that the assaults are motivated by desire to eliminate Christianity." This night of terror comes on the heels of a series of equally terrifying attacks perpetrated by the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram in Nigeria's northern state of Borno. At least 26 Christians were killed in attacks on Christian villages between November 11 - 13 and eight others were killed on November 3. "For three days, they attacked the Christian villages," Rev. Titus Pona said as he described the attacks that occurred between November 11 and 13 to Morning Star News. "They came in two Hilux vehicles, three buses and about 30 motorcycles armed with AK-47 rifles, going from house to house killing, looting and burning." Boko Haram, whose name means 'Western education is a sin,' has a stated goal of establishing a purely Islamic state in Nigeria's north where it can implement its fundamentalist interpretation of Sharia law. In 2012, Boko Haram demanded that all Christians living in northern Nigeria flee south. Since then, Boko Haram and its affiliates have used church bombings, drive-by shootings and deadly raids on Christian villages as a part of its strategy to 'purify' northern Nigeria. ICC's Regional Manager, William Stark, said, "Innocent Christians living in Nigeria's northern and middle belt regions continue to be slaughtered and terrorized by Boko Haram and its affiliates. Although ICC applauds the action taken by the U.S. to designate Boko Haram a Foreign Terrorist Organization, more has to be done by the Nigerian government, the U.S. and the rest of the international community to insure the safety of Christians in Nigeria. If decisive action is not taken, the unbelievable violence being perpetrated against Christians in Nigeria will only continue to accelerate and will likely reach genocidal levels in the near future."       For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for Africa:   RM-AfricaAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, 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.

Kidnappings increasing in northern Egypt

The Egyptian Christian community has become increasingly concerned by the growing number of Christians who have been kidnapped for ransom across the country. More than thirty Christians were reportedly kidnapped in the southern province of Minya in the month of October alone. "Minya, a provincial capital with a high Christian population, could also be called Egypt's capital of kidnappings. More people have been snatched in this city and province than in any other place in southern Egypt,"Kristen Chick wrote for CS Monitor. While some of the victims were released after their families paid the captors' ransom demands, others remain in captivity. Christians are becoming increasingly angry with what they see as indifference by the police, who have yet to either arrest the kidnappers or free many of those being held. International Christian Concern was able to speak with the friends and families of some of those who were abducted. Following are some of their accounts. November 11, Sodfa City - Masked Muslim gunmen abducted Kirolos Adel Mikhail, a 14-year-old Christian boy while he was on his way home from school. "The abductors abducted Kirolos when he was returning from his school to his home," reported Fr. Arsanius Ayad, a local priest. "[They] called his father...and demanded a ransom of 500,000 Egyptian pounds [$72,500] in exchange for the return of his son." Several days later, according to Fr. Ayad, the family was fortunate enough to be able to secure the release of their son after paying a reduced ransom of 65 thousand Egyptian pounds [$9,500]. November 4, Aswan City - David Adel Abdel-Malak Habib, 4 years old, was abducted with the kidnappers demanding 500,000 Egyptian pounds [$72,500] for his return. The family was about to return home after a visit to David's grandfather when his father realized he had forgotten his keys. As David's parents went back inside, they instructed David and his sister Gina to wait for them outside. "They heard Gina crying," reported Sameh Abdel-Malak Habib, an uncle of David. "They went to her quickly and found her alone without David. She told them that a car stopped close to them and a veiled woman got out from the car and abducted David and put him in the car quickly and fled." Adel, David's father, immediately began to search the streets and called for Sameh to join them, but they were unable to find the kidnappers, so he reported the kidnapping to the police. David's grandfather then received a series of phone calls over the next several days demanding a ransom of half a million Egyptian pounds [$72,500] for the release of his grandson. Unable to pay the ransom and fearing for his son's health, who suffers from serious health issues, Adel went to the police again, who promised to search for the boy. Days passed, however, with no news of David's release. The family, having become increasingly frustrated with the indifference of the police, organized a protest in the front of the Security Directorate. Eight days after the kidnapping, the family received a call from a man in a neighboring city saying that a boy had been found on a road in the desert carrying a card with Adel's phone number on it. According to Sameh, "David told us that a man and his wife...who kidnapped him were holding him in a car in the front of a home in desert and they were hitting him and giving him little food." October 25, Mallawi in Minya province - Muslims abducted Romany Dahi Khalef, a 22-year-old Christian cab driver, at gunpoint. His family soon received a call demanding a ransom of one million Egyptian pounds [$145,000] for his release. Due to their poverty, Romany's family was unable to meet the kidnapper's demands, even after they agreed to lower the ransom to 200,000 Egyptian pounds [$29,000]. As of November 19, Romany remains in captivity, sources in Mallawi told ICC. September 26, Abu Khalaka in Minya Province - Hany Noshy Shawky, 32, was abducted at gunpoint by four masked man as he and his father were walking to their farm. "They put Hany in their car and fled," said Michelle Wagih Nagy, a cousin of Hany. "They blindfold his eyes and tied his hands and legs and put him in a deserted place." Michelle went on to describe the brutal conditions of Hany's captivity. "They were insulting, hitting and torturing him. They gave him only three meals during the period he was being held from September 26 to October 3." The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of 800,000 Egyptian pounds [$116,000] for his release which Hany's family was unable to pay. The family went to the police but they did little to help. Four days later, the kidnappers lowered the ransom to 500,000 Egyptian pounds [$72,500], but the family was still unable to pay this amount. The family pleaded in prayer to Jesus Christ for a miracle and two days later the ransom was reduced to 100,000 Egyptian pounds [$14,500]. Yet, it was accompanied by an assurance that Hany would be killed if the amount was not paid. The family and relatives were finally able to pay the ransom, however, and Hany was returned to his family on October 3. September 25, Deir Mawas City in Minya Province - Refaat Hanna Ghobrial, 55 years old, was abducted at gunpoint while travelling to work in Mallawi city. The kidnappers demanded two million Egyptian pounds in ransom, which Refaat's family did not have. "When they were calling us,"Mina, the son of Refaat, recounts to ICC, "they let us hear the voice of my father on the phone who was crying. They were hitting him, torturing him [...] to force us to pay them the required ransom to mercy my father from this torture." As the kidnappers' threats to kill Refaat increased, the family started to lose hope. Still, they cried out to God. "All my family and I were crying to God to set free my father from the hands of these bad people," Mina told ICC. On October 1, the kidnappers lowered their demand to 70,000 Egyptian pounds [$10,000]. The family was able to gather the money and pay the ransom. Refaat, however, was not returned after the payment. Two days later, the kidnappers demanded another 100,000 Egyptian pounds [$14,500], which the family was unable to pay. Finally, on October 5, the family received a call from Refaat saying that he was safe and in a monastery in a neighboring town. The kidnappers, realizing they would be unable to get any more money, had dumped him, still tied up, along a road in the desert close to the monastery. A passerby saw Refaat and took him to the monastery where he was able to call his family. "We thank the Lord so much for the return of my father to us," Mina told ICC. These stories highlight the danger that Christians regularly face throughout Egypt. The lack of protection supplied by security forces, combined with a growing hostility of Islamists towards Christians following the removal of Mohammed Morsi from the presidency have increased the dangers for Egyptian Christians. While the country remains in political upheaval, it is important that the basic rights of all Egyptians be protected. The kidnapping of Christians is an urgent issue that must be addressed by the political leadership. Until there is a serious move made to prosecute those guilty of these crimes and to put a stop to the kidnappings, Christians will remain fearful that they or a family member may be the next to be taken.  For interviews, contact Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East:  RM-ME@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington, D.C.-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.

King of Morocco visits the White House

International Christian Concern (ICC) welcomes the arrival of Moroccan King Mohammed VI on an official visit to meet with President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry. ICC is urging the White House and State Department to make the protection of religious freedom a core component of these discussions.    In light of the rising tide of religious extremism across the region, Morocco has the opportunity to play a key role in countering this trend which is a primary cause of persecution of Christians and other religious minorities. The protection of religious freedom and the danger of violent religious extremism should be core components of these discussions.  While under King Mohammed's reign Morocco has taken gradual steps towards a more liberal and democratic form of governance such as the 2011 adoption of a constitution that provides greater protections of individual rights. The implementation of these reforms is still a work in progress, especially in relation to the protection of the rights of religious minorities. On February 4, 2010, more than 60 officers raided a home Bible study, detained a number of Christians, and confiscated private property including a computer, books, and other items. "The confiscated things are still in the possession from the gendermerie in Tahanaout, Morocco. There has never been any excuse or restoration made," Abellatif Hamidi, one of the Christians present at the raid recently told ICC. "We are still asking for justice and the return of our property," Hamidi told ICC. This raid came just weeks before a widespread crackdown in which dozens of foreign Christians were expelled from the country and forced to abandon projects including an orphanage. Since 2005  Jamma Ait Bakrim has been in prison, serving a 15 year sentence for his faith. In 2012, three Moroccan Christians were arrested and in August of 2013, another Christian, Mohamed El Baladi, was arrested in Taounate and still awaits a final ruling on his case. Most troubling is that in early 2013, a fatwa was issued by Morocco's highest religious authority calling for the death penalty for converts from Islam. This is especially disturbing as one of the titles of King Mohammed is "Commander of the Faithful" and he is the chair of this council. While the fatwa does not necessarily become law, a failure by King Mohammed to publicly denounce these statements leads Christians to fear  Islamic extremism is rising in Morocco. King Mohammed has the opportunity to demonstrate by word and action both to his own people and to countries across the region that radical Islam and the persecution of religious minorities will not be tolerated. The United States, as a friend and ally of Morocco, should be at the forefront of encouraging efforts to combat extremism and promote religious freedom. Todd Daniels, ICC Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, "Morocco has an important role to play in combating religious extremism that is driving the troubling persecution of Christians across the Middle East and North Africa. We strongly encourage the Kingdom of Morocco, and King Mohammed VI, to press forward in protecting fundamental human rights, especially as regards the protection of religious freedoms for all of its citizen, including Christians. We urge the United States, specifically President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry, to follow its own policy of promoting religious freedom as a core objective of its foreign policy, and working to promote those freedoms in Morocco and across the Middle East and North Africa."  For interviews, contact Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East: RM-ME@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, 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.

Nigerian Islamist Groups declared as FTO's

International Christian Concern celebrates the official designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) by the United States Government. Earlier this week, both the White House and the State Department issued statements announcing the designation and the imposition of sanctions against both Islamist groups, who are waging campaigns of religious cleansing against Christians and moderate Muslims in an effort to establish Sharia rule in Northern Nigeria. The FTO designation enables U.S. law enforcement and the Treasury department to better combat the organizations' support and financing networks.

The designations are seen as a victory for a broad coalition of religious and human rights groups, including International Christian Concern (ICC), who have advocated this action. As an integral part of this coalition, ICC held 27 meetings with government officials, facilitated a letter to the Secretary of State from the Congress demanding these groups be classified as terrorist organizations, and regularly advocated for action at the State Department. The FTO designations were announced just before a Congressional hearing was to take place which would have graphically highlighted the abuses and security threats posed by the two Islamist groups.

ICC recognizes and expresses gratitude for the contributions of our volunteers, partner organizations, and the Members of Congress which actively supported this effort. However, as  Nigeria expert Emmanuel Ogebe highlights, there is still much more to be done in order for the United States to effectively assist Nigeria in combatting the threat posed by these organizations. In his Congressional testimony, Ogebe stated that:

• The U.S. State Department in its official reports and statements has denied the religious motivation of Boko Haram, despite its repeatedly declared goal of overthrowing the State and establishing a radical Muslim theocracy. To claim that religion is not the core issue in the extreme violence  perpetrated  by this terrorist group is disingenuous, deeply insensitive to victims, and impairs U.S. threat analysis.
• Prior to today's designation, the State Department has downplayed the fact that Boko Haram has attacked U.S. citizens which  places more Americans, including diplomats, at risk.
• The U.S. has lagged behind in providing humanitarian assistance, and has failed to encourage the Nigerian government to assist or provide compensation to victims.
• Nigeria is a strategic security partner both regionally and globally, and currently participates in nine U.N. peacekeeping operations worldwide.

Cameron Thomas, ICC's Africa Regional Manager, added that "The designation of Boko Haram and it's Ansaru splinter as FTO's is certainly a long-overdue first step in attuning American policy to combat religious cleansing  of Christians in Nigeria. However, much more remains to be done if the Obama administration is truly serious about ending the religicide there. We applaud this proclamation, but will continue to advocate for further action."

Executed for having a Bible

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Christians were likely among the estimated 80 "criminals" publicly executed by North Korean officials across the country earlier this month. On Monday, a South Korean newspaper, the JoongAng Ilbo, reported that the coordinated killings took place in seven different cities on Nov. 3. Among the reasons listed by the newspaper for the executions were "watching South Korean movies and the possession of Bibles." "It just shows that Kim Jong-un is still trying to consolidate power and I think this is an indication of his failure to do so," said an ICC source familiar with the region, referring to the mass executions. "I think it is a reflection of both the stepped up crack-down that he started when he became dictator and also the fear he has of the North Korean people...the greatest threat to the regime are those who escape and tell us what is happening and those who have information from the outside world. I am sure all those executed knew information from the outside and [among them] were certainly Christians. The DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) has always considered Christians to be their greatest threat." North Korea is consistently cited as the world's worst persecutor of Christians. Escapees from the authoritarian nation, labeled by the regime as "defectors," have reported that crimes as simple as Bible ownership are punished severely. According to human rights organizations, sentences for this "crime" range from thirteen years' imprisonment to execution; up to three generations of the "criminal's" family may be sentenced to life in prison inside one of the nation's notorious labor camps. In 2007 and 2009, unconfirmed reports from sources inside the country claimed that individuals had been publicly executed for distributing Bibles.   According to a "single unidentified" source cited by the JoongAng Ilbo, one of the executions took place in the port city of Wonsan. The source said that 10,000 spectators, including children, were forced to gather and watch as eight individuals, including at least one charged with possessing a Bible, were tied to posts and executed by machine gun. "I heard from the residents that they watched in terror as the corpses were (so) riddled by machine gun fire that they were hard to identify afterward," the source said.  Ryan Morgan, International Christian Concern's Regional Manager for East Asia, said, "We were shocked and horrified to hear about the recent mass executions under Kim Jong-un's rule. At this point, there can be no doubt left that Kim Jong-un is bent on retaining absolute power, even if that means maintaining the genocidal legacy of his father and grandfather. Today we are praying not only for the families of those Christians who were executed on Nov. 3, but for the families of all of the victims of North Korea's tyrannical regime. We also call on the world not to forget the tens of thousands who suffer daily in utterly deplorable conditions inside North Korea's labor camps, many simply for their religious beliefs."    For interviews, contact Ryan Morgan, Regional Manager for Southeast Asia:   RM-SEAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, 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.

Transferred to another Iranian prison

ICC is deeply disturbed by the transfer of American pastor Saeed Abedini from notorious Evin prison in Iran to Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj. Diplomats, U.S. Senators, and the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) confirm that for Abedini to be held in this prison is essentially a "death sentence."   "Saeed's situation is not good," individuals close to the situation told ICC. "There is a struggle between the radicals and moderates inside of Iran and the radicals want him dead."  The conditions of the prison he has been transferred to are "impossible to overstate" and "horrific," according to the ACLJ. "Prisoners are routinely executed or murdered by other prisoners," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel for the ACLJ. 23 U.S. Senators have claimed that if action is not taken now on behalf of Abedini, this prison transfer is a "death sentence." Diplomatic talks with Iran continue, and the ACLJ and Abedini's wife, Naghmeh, insist that it is critical for President Obama to engage directly with Iran in the situation. Iran's new president brought with him hope that there might be change and freedom for Abedini, however, individuals close to the situation indicate this is not the case, saying, "Things are the same. The Supreme Leader is the same. The guardian council is the same. There isn't any real change." Saeed Abedini has been imprisoned in Iran, for his faith, since the summer of 2012. Iran is recognized as one of the most restrictive countries in the world in regards to its persecution of Christians. For interviews, contact Ryan Morgan, Regional Manager for the Middle East: RM-ME@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, 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.

Stuck in a prison in North Korea

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Christian missionary Kenneth Bae recently became the longest known American detainee in North Korea since the end of the Korean War. Kenneth marked one year in detention yesterday, after being arrested by North Korean authorities in the port city of Rajin on Nov. 3, 2012. According to the National Committee on North Korea, the Communist dictatorship has not held any known U.S. citizen longer than 12 months since a cease-fire between South and North Korea was signed in 1953. Earlier this year, ICC sources confirmed that Kenneth, an active Christian missionary based in China, was most likely arrested because of his faith-related activities around the country. Practicing Christianity is completely forbidden in North Korea, and even minor violations, including the possession of a Bible, are ruthlessly punished. Kenneth was sentenced in May to 15 years of hard labor for allegedly committing "hostile acts" against the North Korean regime. Human rights organizations estimate that tens of thousands of North Korean Christians are currently imprisoned in labor camps across the country. Last week Michael Kirby, the chairman of a United Nations commission investigating abuses committed by the regime, said he was moved to tears by testimony from those who had escaped the notorious labor camps. North Korea is consistently listed as the top persecutor of Christians in the world. North Korea has rebuffed or ignored multiple requests by the U.S. State Department and Kenneth's family for his release on humanitarian grounds. In late August, Robert King, the U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues, was turned around at the last minute after initially being granted permission to visit Pyongyang to seek Kenneth's release. Last month Kenneth's mother, Myunghee Bae, was allowed to visit her son briefly, but was forced to leave the country with no indication of if or when he might be released. Myunghee confirmed that Kenneth's health has improved slightly since August, when he was hospitalized after losing nearly 50 pounds in the labor camp. Kenneth reportedly suffers from several serious health issues, including diabetes, an enlarged heart, and gallstones. Ryan Morgan, International Christian Concern's Regional Manager for East Asia, said, "Yesterday we marked with great sadness the one-year anniversary of Kenneth Bae's detainment. Kenneth has now been held longer by the North Korean regime than any other known U.S. citizen. Our prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time and we again renew our call for his release to the North Korean authorities. No one should ever face imprisonment simply because of their religious beliefs, yet thousands upon thousands of men, women, and children are living in what has been described as hell on earth simply because they choose to be Christian. Our hope is that the world takes this highly unfortunate anniversary as an opportunity to wake up to what is happening behind the closed walls of North Korea and to call with one voice for an end to the atrocities being committed by Kim Jong-un's malignant regime." For interviews, contact Ryan Morgan, Regional Manager for Southeast Asia:   RM-SEAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, 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.

Coping with loss after a suicide attack

On September 22, two suicide bombers attacked All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan. Over 600 church goers were packed into the church's walled compound when the attackers detonated the suicide vests they were wearing, causing the deaths of over 130 Christians and wounding over 150 more. The following is the story of one family, who lost 5 members including a father, two sisters, a brother, and a sister in-law. "Searching for my younger sister, whether she was dead or alive, was a similar experience like someone hanging on a Cross for a whole day," Ms. Sanobar Younas, age 36, told ICC's representative. "I will never forget Sania's smiling personality and her sacrificing behavior towards others." Sanobar Younas, a housewife, lost five relatives including her younger sister, Sania Haroon, 27, and her husband, Haroon Shareef, 32, in the twin suicide attacks at All Saints Church. In an interview with ICC, Sanobar said, "This is an unbearable, unforgivable and unforgettable loss to us." Uncontrollable tears ran down her face as she shared the painful moments of the day. "We will never be able to forget our sweet 'Anjee' [a family nickname for Sania]. I will miss her mostly at the times of the family gatherings." "I am thankful to Jesus that our parents have already gone to heaven; otherwise it would be impossible for them to bury their young beloved daughter and son-in law." Sanober's mother died in June 2013, her father in 2010. Recalling the memories of Sania, she said, "My Anjee was a very beautiful girl. My parents used to call her a "Lucky Star" because they had a male-child (Shahzada) in the family after her birth. Anjee was my parent's fourth girl-child." "She studied at St. Michael's convent high school in Peshawar and wanted to join the fashion industry as a model, however she was never able to fulfill this dream," Sanobar said. "My sister was very blessed; she had a loving husband, Mr. Haroon Shareef, who was a professional photographer." Sania's husband, Haroon, was also killed in the bombing at All Saints Church. "They have entered into the eternal life along with Haroon's father Mr. Shareef Masih and two sisters Shazia and Sapna," Sanobar said.   Mr. Younas Benjamin, a catechist at the Catholic Church and Sanobar's husband, said, "One cannot express this loss in words. For us it is not less than the end of our lives." After a pause and a long breath he continued, "I still remember riding with Anjee on my bicycle wearing a pink-color frock. It is impossible for me to get the memories of our childhood away from my eyes and mind," Benjamin added. Talking over a cellular phone to a relative, Mr. Benjamin said, "I had no words to inform my wife and other family members about the five deaths. It was too hard to bear." Mr. Shahzada Saleem and Mr. Sharoon Saleem, Sanobar's brothers were in too much pain during their interview with ICC and couldn't even share a single word about their very sweet and loving sister without crying.  "[A] few weeks back Anjee appeared in an interview to join a private bus service as a bus-hostess," Sanobar shared. "She was selected for this job. Just three days before her death she received the appointment letter and navy-blue uniform. She was excited to join the office on October 1, 2013." All the family members present in the room wept for the life cut short by the September 22 bombing. According to Sanobar and Younas Benjamin, Sania and her husband always used to go to a Catholic Church, however on the day of the incident they joined their other family members and went to All Saints Church which is Protestant, to celebrate the first announcement of Samson Shareef's [Haroon's brother's] engagement. Talking to ICC, Samson Shareef, age 31, said, "I wish I would have also gone to All Saints Church on that day for martyrdom." "We have lost 5 members of our family and our future happiness as well. I have no words to express the feelings I had when I saw my loved ones among hundreds of dead bodies. I may still look alive on the Earth, however I am not now that I have lost so many loved ones," Samson said, fighting through the tears of his grief. "I still  cannot believe my "Goodoo" [a family nickname for his brother Haroon], my loving father and two sisters Shazia and Sapna have gone forever and will never come back home. They went to the Church for me, so I am guilty for it," he said.     Recalling his father, brother, sister in-law and two sisters, Samson continued, "I used to have friendly fights with my sisters over using the computer system at home." With his eyes full of tears he said, "I will miss them at every step of life." Regarding his upcoming scheduled wedding, Samson said, "My family wants to follow the orders and plans set by my late father, therefore I will be getting married according to my father's wishes, however we will avoid music, dances, decorations, and unnecessary rituals." Hundreds of Christian families in Peshawar have similar stories of tragedy. When the dust settled, over 130 Christians were killed in the attack at All Saints Church, leaving hundreds of families broken. Pakistan's government has promised to compensate these families for the losses they have sustained, but nothing will be able to replace the loved ones they lost. Without decisive action by Pakistan and the international community, Christian families, who have been persecuted in Pakistan for decades, will continue to suffer loses like this. Please, keep these persecuted brothers and sisters in your prayers today.  For interviews, contact William Stark, ICC's Representative for Pakistan:  RM-AfricaAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington, D.C.-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.