India is still doing dumb stuff

International Christian Concern (ICC) learned that Pastor Bryan Nerren, a Christian pastor from Tennessee, has been arrested and detained in India after being accused of violating the country’s Foreign Exchange Management Act. According to the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), Pastor Nerren and two other pastors from Tennessee arrived in India on October 5 to attend two conferences in India and Nepal. The ACLJ reported that Pastor Nerren was then targeted and arrested by Indian customs agents after he told them he was a Christian.

After the three pastors arrived in New Delhi, Pastor Nerren was detained by customs agents while proceeding through the domestic security check for a flight to Bagdogra. According to the ACLJ, the pastor was carrying funds to cover the expenses for the two conferences as well as the two-week trip for himself and the other pastors. Customs agents questioned Pastor Nerren about the funds and their usage for about an hour. According to reports, Pastor Nerren has been traveling to India and Nepal for the past 17 years to train people to become Sunday school teachers.

According to the ACLJ, customs agents specifically asked Pastor Nerren if he was a Christian and if the funds would be used to support Christian causes. After fully explaining what the funds were to be used for, the customs agents told Pastor Nerren he was free to go. However, when Pastor Nerren arrived in Bagdogra, he was arrested and transported to Siliguri where he was incarcerated for six days and denied any visitors, including those from the US Consulate.

Pastor Nerren was able to secure bail after six days in jail. However, the judge has retained Pastor Nerren’s passport and ordered a travel ban. A hearing regarding Pastor Nerren’s case was scheduled for October 22, but it did not take place. Another court date has been set for Pastor Nerren’s case on December 12. According to the ACLJ, Pastor Nerren is effectively trapped in Siliguri.

Religious intolerance and instances of persecution have steadily escalated in India since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a political party founded on Hindu nationalist ideology, took power in 2014. According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), 147 instances of religiously motivated violence against Christians were documented in 2014. In 2018, after four years of BJP rule, EFI documented 325 instances of religiously motivated violence against Christians.

William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “We here at International Christian Concern are deeply concerned by the arrest and detention of Pastor Nerren. We are most concerned by reports that Pastor Nerren was targeted by Indian customs officials after he told them he is a Christian. Article 25 of India’s own constitution protects religious freedom for all of the country’s citizens. In addition, Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights also protects religious freedom. However, it seems these protections are being denied to Pastor Nerren due to his identity as a Christian.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

T.C.U.P.T. (Part 6): D.I.G.

The concept of D.I.G. is listed in Deuteronomy 10:6-7.

6 And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera:  there Aaron died, and there was he buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead.

7 From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters.

- Deut. 10:6-7 (KJV)

The three cities that the people traveled to were Mosera, Gudgodah, and Jotbath.  Each of these names have a meaning.  Mosera means discipline.  Gudgodah means incision.  Jotbath means goodness.  Can you dig it?

Discipline
Incision
Goodness

There are two steps that lead to goodness.  The first step is discipline.  You must be able to control your actions before you can progress forward.  Then, the second step is incision.  After achieving discipline, you must then look to introspectively evaluate yourself.  Once you fix the outside, then you can fix the inside.  Finally, goodness is achieved.

Notice that in verse 7 that the rivers of waters were located in Gudgodah, which means goodness.  Walk in goodness in order to experience a never-ending spiritual flow.  Many people do not flow spiritually because they do not take the time to either discipline themselves or to evaluate themselves.  D.I.G. and you will eventually reach water.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:10

And he said, What hast thou done?  the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

- Gen. 4:10 (KJV)

Yes, we are supposed to protect one another because God asked Cain what he did to Abel because the blood of Abel was crying out to God.  Within the blood is the life of a person.  The blood circulates throughout the entire body so that life can be sent to every part of the body.  The network of arteries, veins, and capillaries is called the circulatory system because this system sends blood from the heart to the lungs back to the heart.  Then, the heart sends the oxygenated blood throughout the body.  Finally, the body sends the blood back to the heart so that the process begins all over again.

Whenever someone is murdered, the blood of the murdered person cries out to the Lord for vengeance.  Vengeance is not achieved until the murderer dies.  That's why violence is so out of control.  The numerous amount of murders has resulted in plenty of vengeance being doled out.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) To gain instruction, listen to the voice of the Lord.  (1) To follow God, confess to Him what you have done.  (5) To walk in peace, realize that murder leads to vengeance.

58 People abducted by rebel army in Myanmar

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on October 26, Pastor U Maung Maung, along with 57 others, was abducted by the ethnic militia in Rakhine State, Myanmar. Pastor U Maung Maung is from the Chin ethnic group, a minority ethnic group in Rakhine State that is primarily Christian.

In the latest escalation of violence in the region where the Arakan Army (AA) has been fighting government troops for months, AA abducted 58 people from a boat carrying 165 civilian passengers and approximately 50 government personnel from Rakhine's capital, Sittwe.

Associated Press reported that on Sunday, Myanmar's military commander-in-chief acknowledged dispatching helicopters to try to rescue the abductees in a statement on its website. It said their helicopters suffered some damage from gunfire and a crewman was lightly wounded, while at least 14 people who had been kidnapped were rescued.

However, AA’s statement from the same day accused Myanmar’s army of sinking several boats carrying dozens of soldiers and police officers held as hostages. It added that many had died in the operation.

A local source who wished to remained anonymous told ICC that Pastor U Maung Maung from Church of Christ Myanmar was among the abducted. “He is not among the people who have been released or people who have died.”

“I want his abduction to get publicity because I am worried that AA will kill him,” he added.

AA is notorious for targeting religious minorities such as Christians and Muslims in Rakhine State. Earlier in 2019, AA abducted and killed Pastor U Tun Nu from Mrauk-U township and Pastor U Thar Tun from Buthidaung. Local Christians fear that once Pastor U Maung Maung’s religious affiliation is discovered, he might face the same fate.

This is not the first time the self-determination seeking group, representing the Buddhist inhabitants of Rakhine State, abducted a large number of civilians. Earlier this month, AA rebels disguised as sports players boarded a bus and held dozens of firefighters and civilians hostage.

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “Civilians should never fall victim to the ongoing conflicts between the ethnic armed groups and the Burmese Army, nor should they be a bargaining chip for any group. The crime committed by the Arakan Army should not be ignored. We urge the Burmese government to take swift action and rescue these innocent citizens. We also ask for prayers for the safe and speedy return of Pastor U Maung Maung.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

ISIS leader is now taking a dirtnap

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that the leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed during a US military raid in northwestern Syria. According to a statement by US President Donald Trump, al-Baghdadi detonated a suicide vest after he was cornered by US forces.

The raid began at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26. According to reports, the raid took place in the village of Barisha, located in the Idlib province of Syria, where al-Baghdadi was staying in a compound. Once at the compound, US forces engaged in a gun battle with ISIS fighters, but sustained no casualties. After al-Baghdadi was cornered in a tunnel, he detonated a suicide vest. 

The death of the fugitive ISIS leader marks another milestone in the fight against ISIS. In June 2014, ISIS and al-Baghdadi burst onto the international scene when several hundred ISIS fighters took over the city of Mosul in northern Iraq. The group then pushed across northern Iraq, displacing and killing many of the country’s ethnic and religious minorities. Weeks later, ISIS declared the creation of the “caliphate” in northern Iraq.

More than 100,000 Christians were driven from their homes in Mosul and towns in the surrounding Nineveh Plains by ISIS militants in 2014. Before ISIS was pushed back and Mosul recaptured in July 2017, many Christians lived as internally displaced persons (IDPs) in cities across northern Iraq. Christians who remained in the towns and villages captured by ISIS were forced to convert to Islam, pay a protection fee, or face death.

For Iraq’s Christians, the news of al-Baghdadi’s death brings mixed emotions. While many are pleased to see another victory in the fight against ISIS, many are still concerned for their community’s future in Iraq.

“We are excited to know the head of evil in Iraq has been killed,” Omar, an Iraqi Christian, told ICC. “We are especially happy to get this news in the midst of the current darkness as protests are still going on.”

“The killing of al-Baghdadi was expected, but ISIS attacks in Iraq, like the killing of the head of the ID in Diyala, are a bad indication about ISIS still being in Iraq,” Fadi, another Iraqi Christian, explained. “That’s an indication that there is someone who will replace al-Baghdadi at some point.”

Christians have lived in Mosul and the surrounding Nineveh Plains for nearly 2,000 years. The violence and destruction wrought by al-Baghdadi and ISIS in these areas have left many of Iraq’s Christians displaced and wondering if there is a future for their community in Iraq.

ICC’s Regional Manager, William Stark, commented, “Although the successful operation against al-Baghdadi is something to be celebrated, it doesn’t change the fact that there is still a long and difficult road ahead for Iraq’s Christians. During ISIS’s occupation of Mosul and the Nineveh Plains, Christian communities were devastated. Churches, schools, homes, and vital infrastructure were left in ruins. There remains much healing and rebuilding for Christians to fully secure themselves in northern Iraq. Both Iraq and the international community must continue to take steps against extremist groups, like ISIS, to make sure they are unable to regain a foothold in Iraq and persecute the country’s already vulnerable religious minorities.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Don't stop for Al-Shabaab

Eight construction workers in Mandera South, Kenya barely escaped a terror attack along the Elwak-Kutulo road at the hands of al-Shabaab, a Somali-based militant group. Upon seeing the 10 heavily armed men flagging down the workers’ vehicle, the Muslim driver quickly decided to defy their stop orders and sped off to save the targeted Christian passengers and himself. The vehicle, hired by a construction company, ferried the workers to and from the Borehole 11 township hospital site.

In an exclusive interview with a senior Elwak police officer, ICC confirmed the incident and that all of the vehicle’s occupants were safe. The officer shared, “We received reports of the attempted attack and immediately dispatched our security officers who managed to meet the vehicle on the way, about four kilometers from Elwak town. We applaud Mr. Hassan Abdul for his [bravery] in escaping from the trap of the Somali insurgents and saving the lives of the eight innocent men.”

One of the survivors, Simon Kiiru, described the horrific near-death experience as “a traumatizing moment that should not be wished upon anybody regardless of their tribe or religion.” He continued, “As soon as we had bypassed the attackers, they started running after us while spraying bullets on the van and deflating one of the tires. We lied on the floor and we could hear bullets hitting the body of the van. We thank God that the driver, who is a Muslim, did not stop to sacrifice us to the enemy. His act of love has touched our hearts in a way we shall never forget.”

This is not the first time that a local Muslim in Mandera has saved the lives of Christians this year. In a similar incident in August 2019, al-Shabaab ambushed a passenger bus from Wajir heading to Nairobi. Although the attackers shot the driver three times, he managed to drive the car to safety at the nearest police post. The Muslim driver put his life in danger to save over 40 passengers, the majority of whom were Christian teachers traveling home for the August school vacation.

Earlier this month, approximately 20 al-Shabaab militants were seen near the porous Kenya-Somali border, heading towards Garsesala hills in Mandera with loads of cargo believed to be guns and improvised explosive devises. Security has been tightened in Mandera and Garissa, and non-locals have been urged to remain vigilant but calm.

Mandera is predominantly Muslim and ethnically Somali. However, many non-local Kenyans travel to this area looking for work in the mining industry. Often, they are targeted because they are easily identifiable as Christians. Pastor Daniel Muturi of Mandera requests that “the Church continue praying for the believers in northeastern Kenya as they work to raise income for their families.”

Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, said, “It is incidents like these that bring hope. It shows that no matter what ethnicity or religion, there are those who are willing to risk their lives to save others. The driver should be lauded for his bravery, and others should work to emulate his example. It is through acts like this that terrorism can be defeated. Please pray for safety, peace, and security in Mandera.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

China actually released someone from prison

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on October 22, Gou Zhongcan from Early Rain Covenant Church (ERCC) in Sichuan was released and returned home to Bazhou city. Gou was detained in March and spent the last seven months in prison.

Gou is currently recovering since his vision deteriorated in prison. Otherwise, he is generally in good health, according to another ERCC member, Jia Xuewei.

Gou went missing on March 15, while he was visiting a friend in Zhejiang. His cellphone and computer were taken away from him. Three days later, he was spotted at the Hangzhou East Train Station being escorted by multiple plainclothes police officers. His head was shaved and he was handcuffed.

Since then, Gou’s lawyer has been unable to locate him despite multiple attempts. China Aid reported in July that Gou was detained and held in the basement of a public security bureau office for refusing to reveal the passwords to his computer and cell phone. When Gou’s elderly father was finally allowed to meet with him, he shared that his son did not look well, but that he had been singing hymns and worship songs while being detained.

This was not the first time that Gou has been jailed. At 23 years old, he was a reporter and was imprisoned for more than 10 years for reporting on the inhumane treatment of prisoners in China to human rights organizations abroad. While in prison, he was greatly tormented.

Gou came to Christ in 2016 after he was released, and began attending ERCC.

A Chinese Christian familiar with the case shared on Twitter yesterday, “Brother Gou Zhongcan from ERCC in Chengdu, who was arrested in March earlier this year has returned home yesterday. Thanks be to God that the captive has been delivered!”

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “What great news to know that Gou is finally free. But the Chinese government has not relented on the persecution of Christians. ERCC pastor Wang Yi and elder Qin Derfu are still criminally detained on trumped up charges and their lawyers and family have not been able to see them, even after 10 months. We should continue to put pressure on Beijing so that they will be set free. None of them deserved imprisonment in the first place.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

T.C.U.P.T. (Part 5) - Past glory

Before the Israelites entered into the Promised Land, Moses gave the people one final command before they would be able to achieve their destiny.  This command is listed in Deuteronomy 1:6-7.

The Lord Our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount:

Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plains, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, by the sea side, to the land of the Caananites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.

- Deut. 1:6-7 (KJV)

After being stuck in the same rut for forty years, the command was to turn around and go towards your destination.  In life, we must all stop dwelling in the past, we must turn around, and we must move forward.  Dwelling on past greatness stops all future progress.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:9

And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother?  And he said, I know not:  Am I my brother's keeper?

- Gen. 4:9 (KJV)

Even after Cain murders Abel, God in his mercy asks Cain where is Abel so that Cain would have a chance to repent of his actions.  However, Cain showed no remorse by not caring about his brother by choosing to be selfish.  No matter what you have done in the past, do not be dumb like Cain by not confessing your faults to God.  God is merciful.  If He was not merciful, then we would all be dead now.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) To gain instruction, listen to the voice of the Lord when He decides to speak to you.  (9) To overturn evil, be concerned about the welfare of others.

T.C.U.P.T (Part 4) - Lack of vision

Where there is no vision, the people perish:  but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

- Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

The lack of vision from a leader causes the people that are under that leadership will end up decreasing.  However, a person can prevent oneself from decreasing by continually keeping the law because focusing on the law will create vision within that particular person's life.  Basically, keeping the law will cause for a person to be the exception to the rule.  If you are not happy, then you have to locate which rule that you are breaking and no longer choose to break that rule.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:8

And Cain talked with Abel his brother:  and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against his brother and slew him.

- Gen. 4:8 (KJV)

Instead of correcting his disobedience towards God with the offering, Cain allowed his jealousy to boil over which resulted in Cain killing his brother Abel.  How did Cain kill Abel?  He killed Abel by hitting Abel with his bare hands.  In this verse, the word slew means to hit someone with the intention of murder.  No weapons were involved because Abel would not have went to talk with Cain if Cain was holding something.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) To gain instruction, talk with others properly.  (8) Choose to have a new beginning in order to see results.  (3) To walk in the Spirit, do not choose to be around those who disobey God.

T.C.U.P.T (Part 3) - Bad Census Taking

The entire book of Numbers in the Bible is focused on the census.  In Numbers, God commanded Moses to number all of the men over the age of 18 before the Israelites entered into the Promised Land.  The purpose of the census was to count all of the men that could go out to battle and to take the land from their adversaries.

However, in II Kings chapter 24, King David ran an illegal census because the people were not at war at the time of the census.  As the consequence of holding an illegal census, there was a pestilence upon the land of Israel for three days.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:7

If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?  and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.  And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

- Gen. 4:7 (KJV)

Even though Cain made an error in his offering to God, God showed mercy to Cain by giving Cain a choice.  The choice was to do things well or to not do things well.  To do things well, shake off what you did wrong because dwelling on a wrong decision will lead to you making another wrong decision.  If you do not choose to do well, then that opens the door for sin to creep into your life because a lack of desire and motivation leads to even more mistakes.  Nevertheless, choosing to do right will swing things back into your favor because you have been given authority over sin from God.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) To stay in God's Word, choose to do the right thing.  (7) To be perfected by God, realize that He has accepted you.  (2) Obey God or you will not do well in life.

Indo schizo feels brunt of sharia law

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that a Christian woman in Indonesia’s Bogor will be tried for blasphemy law, despite having a serious mental illness. She can face up to five years in prison for an altercation at a mosque that took place last June.

In late June, Suzethe Margaret, 52, wore sandals and brought her dog into the Al Munawaroh Mosque, an act deemed offensive to Muslims because dogs are considered ritually impure. In the video that went viral online documenting the event, she was seen arguing with mosque caretakers. She can be heard saying that she is Christian and demanding to know about her ex-husband who was going to marry another woman in the mosque later that day.

According to Benar News, her family said she suffered from mental illness, a condition confirmed by police following a psychiatric examination at a hospital in Jakarta. The woman’s medical record showed that she suffered from schizophrenia and underwent psychiatric treatment in 2013 but did not complete her therapy, Bogor police spokeswoman Ita Puspita Lena said.

Suzethe’s father also confirms with ICC that his daughter has had this mental illness since she was young. “She got bullied because of that,” he said. “After she finished her post-graduate degree, she actually received scholarship to go to Australia, but due to her mental disorder, we were concerned and did not want to let her go by herself.”

Despite proofs to show her mental condition, she was arrested in June and faced trial last week, which was closed to the public due to her psychosocial disability. If convicted, her charge with committing blasphemy against Islam can put her behind bars for up to five years, endangering her wellbeing.

It’s been three months since her arrest, and she now suffers from depression, according to her father. “I don’t want to go to the trial anymore. It is better for me to be shot by the police, than to attend the trial,” she told her father.

Indonesia Researcher Andreas Harsono from the Human Rights Watch commented, “[This case] shows how Indonesia’s blasphemy law is easily abused. The government should revoke the law instead of expanding it and drop the cases against those charged.”

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “Although I can understand why the Indonesian Muslims were deeply upset by Suzethe’s behavior, we should not forget that she suffers from mental illness and should not be held to the same standard as an ordinary citizen. Her case also further proves that blasphemy law in Indonesia has been applied to oppress the minorities in the country, whether they are Christians, Buddhists, or mentally disabled. Even if rights groups’ previous attempts to revoke the law have failed, the government needs to ensure the rights of religious minorities out of respect for human rights.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Algeria begins to enforce sharia law

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that authorities in Algeria have ordered the closure of two of the largest churches in the nation. Both churches are linked to l’Eglise Protestante d’Algerie (EPA), an organization formed in 1974 to collectively represent Algerian Christians before the government.

According to a report by Morning Star News, a 500-member Protestant church in Makouda was officially closed by the authorities today, October 15. This comes only one day after the congregation received an order from the government, notifying them that the church would be closed.  In response, congregants of the Makouda church filled the place of worship in protest of the closure.

The second church, the Protestant Church of the Full Gospel of Tizi-Ouzou (EPPETO), was notified that its building would be closed on October 16. However, despite the closure order being effective for October 16, authorities also closed EPPETO today. EPPETO represents the largest church west of the Nile River, with 1,000 members in the congregation. The church’s head pastor, Pastor Salah Chalah, is also the head of the EPA.

“Today, two of the largest churches in Algeria have been closed,” an EPA spokesperson, speaking with ICC on the condition of anonymity, said. “We do not understand the relentless injustice of the Algerian government towards us. They refuse to hear us or listen to us.”

Last week, the EPA organized peaceful protests against church closures. The orders for the two most recent churches to be closed come just days after the completion of the protests. Pastor Salah attempted to meet with governing authorities multiple times over this issue, without success.

“Algerian Christians have now found themselves with thousands of Christians without a place of worship,” the EPA spokesperson told ICC. “But we remain confident in the Lord. We need the prayers of our brothers and sisters from across the world.”

The two churches have been closed under a 2006 law that mandates any non-Muslim worship be conducted in specific, designated buildings. However, no church has received official permission since the passage of the law. With these closures, seven of Algeria’s 60 EPA-affiliated churches have been closed in the past six weeks.

ICC’s Advocacy Director, Matias Perttula, commented, “Reports of rising levels of religious intolerance in Algeria are once again causing a great level of concern for ICC and our partners. These church closures are completely baseless and clear indicators of persecution and harassment of Algeria’s Christians, who represent a significant religious minority. ICC plans to raise this issue with our partners as well as members of Congress on Capitol Hill to make them aware of these human rights violations.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

T.C.U.P.T (Part 2) - The Perfect Storm

Before the Great Flood, God warned Noah before the perfect storm occurred.

For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.

Gen. 7:4 (KJV)

God gave Noah a seven-day warning because Noah was fully prepared.  He had already built the Ark.  Noah's family was the only ones that survived the Flood in the text because they were the only ones that prepared.  Nobody else prepared.  To avoid from being washed away by the perfect storm, you must be prepared.  Once you are prepared, then God will give you the warning so that you will be placed out of harm's way.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:6

And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth?  and why is thy countenance fallen?

- Gen. 4:6 (KJV)

God asked Cain why he was angry and why is appearance was so sullen.  This line of questioning lets everyone know that God really cares about how you feel.  God really does want to know why you are angry.  He wants to know why you are depressed.  Once you spend time with God, He will show you how to be free from anger and depression.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) To gain instruction, listen to what the Lord says to you.  (6) To expose evil, eliminate the source of your anger.  (1) To follow God, eliminate the source of your depression.

T.C.U.P.T. (Part 1) - Life Taker

Each and every day we must strive to give life to others and to bring life into situations instead of taking life away from others.  When we make the decision to give life, then we will be blessed.  When we make the decision to take away life, then the curse will gain access.  Let's take a spiritual example of how this concept operates.

As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

- Proverbs 26:1-2 (KJV)

In the first verse of Proverbs Chapter 26, it states that whenever a foolish person is promoted to a place of leadership, then that foolish person will never become an honorable person.  The result of placing a fool in a leadership position is listed in the second verse of Proverbs Chapter 26.  The curse gains access throughout the land when a foolish person is granted leadership. 

In verse 2, the word curse is used as a noun.  Here is the definition of the word curse when it is used as a noun.

1 the expression of a wish that misfortune, evil, doom, etc., befall a person, group, etc.

2 a formula or charm intended to cause such misfortune to another.

3 the act of reciting such a formula.

From the definition of the word, the curse that arises is like a formula or an algorithm that is devised to bring about destruction.  Choose to do well so that nothing will be concocted against you.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:5

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect.  And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

- Gen. 4:5 (KJV)

Cain's offering was not respected by God because Cain gave the fruit of the ground, but he did not give priority to the Lord by not giving the firstfruits, or what is considered the tithe.  Abel gave the "firstling of the flock."  (Gen. 4:2-3)

Cain became angry with God because Cain wanted to give to God his own way instead of following the Lord's command on giving a proper offering to Him.  Doing your own thing instead of doing things God's way is why religion is so dangerous.  Putting tradition ahead of God's Word could be devastating to your health.  Notice that his appearance fell because he was angry.  Uncontrolled anger will cause for your entire appearance to decline.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) Stay in God's Word or you will lose His respect.  (5) Stay in God's presence to be free from anger.  (9) Overturn evil or your appearance will decline.

Real reason why Turkey invaded Syria

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on October 9, 2019, Turkey began its Operation Peace Spring incursion into northern Syria. Significant damage and casualties were reported in Christian-dominated areas.

According to the Turkish Defense Ministry, 181 Syrian locations were shelled. A ground offensive began immediately following the artillery strikes. Today, President Erdogan announced that 109 so-called “terrorists” were killed during the beginning stages of the operation. However, initial field reports indicate a severe impact on civilians which included targeted attacks against Christian communities.

The operation began by shelling Tel Abyad, where the Armenian Christian community reported 16 families directly in the line of fire. Although the families had permanently resided there through the Syrian Civil War, the Turkish operation was deemed too dangerous for their continued presence. Immediate evacuation plans were established for the families, reportedly in coordination with the Armenian government. Two civilians were reportedly killed in Tel Abyad.

The city of Qamishli also reported heavy shelling by Turkish forces. The city is the largest in northeastern Syria, and has a heavy Assyrian and Armenian Christian population. The Assyrian Monitor for Human Rights reported the targeted shelling of houses. Two Syriac Christians, a man and woman, were reportedly killed. Two children were also reportedly killed.

The Assyrian Monitor for Human Rights also reported that one civilian was killed in the village of Mobrouka and two in the village of Mishrafa. In the village of Ayn Issa, a name which translates into Jesus, Turkish shelling of the village was accompanied by social media posts of ISIS attacks in the area. Seven civilians were reportedly killed. ISIS had also launched significant attacks in Raqqa and Homs.

Turkey began its invasion of northern Syria after the sudden announcement by the White House on Sunday which approved of the operation. Many of the civilians residing in the geographical location of the invasion are descendants of those who escaped the 1915 genocide committed by Turkey.

The nation’s Directorate of Religious Affairs organized a 90,000 mosque wide recitation of morning Islamic prayers which encouraged Turkish soldiers to attack apostates and atheists throughout the invasion.

Matias Perttula, ICC’s Advocacy Director, said, “The current situation in northeastern Syria poses a major threat to the indigenous Christian communities in the region. It is imperative that the United States leads clear, effective, and decisive diplomatic efforts to restore stability in the region. Over 100 people have died in the fighting already, and more victims are expected. The removal of US troops has set in motion a series of events that will very likely bode poorly for Christians and religious minorities in the region.” 

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “Turkey has routinely made it clear that they do not recognize their actions a century ago as genocide and that they will continue these policies in any location where they gain a geographical foothold. Turkey is not attacking terrorists. They are ethnically and religiously cleansing the Middle East. The United States has given tacit approval for a massacre. It is time that we wake up to Turkish aggression and name it for what is: genocide.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

# # #

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:4

And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and the fat thereof.  And the Lord had respect unto Abel and his offering:

- Gen. 4:4 (KJV)

This verse states that God had respect for Abel because of Abel's offering.  Notice that God's respect for the offering was not due to the quantity of the offering; the respect was due to the Abel's obedience on how the offering was supposed to be given to God.  Abel gave the "firstlings of the flock."  God must be the priority in any offering.  This is analogous to the tithe that we are commanded to offer to God.  That ten percent is right off of the top; that tithe is first.  Plus, Abel gave "the fat thereof."  Abel offered an offering over and above the tithe.  The tithe is mandatory; the offering is voluntarily is what given after the tithe is offered.

Numerical Breakdown:

(4) The name Abel means "God the Father is Lord."  To gain instruction, recognize that God is the Lord.

(8) To have a new beginning, give tithes and offerings properly to God.

Muslims kill man in Egypt because of a dead chicken

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on September 25, 2019, an Egyptian Christian man, Maged Fathi, passed away following a beating by at least six Muslims. Maged was taken to the hospital in Assiut Governorate where he died the next day.

His neighbor, who witnessed the incident, told ICC, “Maged’s son was carrying dead chickens, and one fell beside the (Muslim) house. The Muslim man hit the boy on his face with the dead chicken. Maged heard his son crying loudly and got out of the house quickly. He tried to defend his son, but the killer hit Maged on his head with a cudgel, and injured him with a knife too.”

Al-Karma TV News reported that the main attacker, Ebrahim Abo Zaid, recently returned from Libya where he had cultivated a jihadist ideology. Some local Christians had heard him urging other Muslims that they “have to kill the Christians.”

The other attackers were Ebrahim’s son, Mohammed; Khaled Abdel Twab; as well as Khalf Abdel Nazir and his two sons, Abdel and Mohammed. As they were beating Maged, Christians began to gather in the street. The group of attackers then proceeded to attack the Christian bystanders with cudgels and chains, injuring five. Vehicles belonging to the Christians were also damaged.

The village priest shared, “I don’t know exactly what happened. (But) I didn’t expect that, because they were so close, as Maged and his Muslim neighbor work in the same field. They work in the chicken and fish trade. Now, Maged left his sons as orphans.”

Maged leaves behind three sons and two daughters. The family has asked the police to hold the attackers accountable. “Now, the killer is caught by the police, and the Christian family did not relinquish the case,” said their neighbor. “Sectarian incidents are always away from our village. I think this is the first incident of its kind here.”

The situation in the village remains tense, and those living nearby are having trouble communicating with their Christian friends and relatives who live there. One individual said, “The crisis aggravated, and the result was killing Maged… My friend lives there, but he didn’t tell me more than that because he is afraid. The situation in the village is very hard and everything is strict. Even he did not want to tell me more than these few words.”

Attacks against Christians are commonplace in Egypt, which is an officially Islamic country. Christians are viewed as second-class citizens, and thus when attacks against them occur, they are often left without opportunities for judicial recourse. Often, the government fails to hold the perpetrators of attacks accountable. Egypt ranks as a Tier 2 Country of Particular Concern by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “The murder of Maged Fathi should have never happened. The police had been aware of his neighbor’s radicalization in Libya. For so long, Egypt’s Christians have lived without justice and protection from these kinds of hate crimes. Christians deserve the opportunity to live in Egypt without fear of violence and harassment. We urge the authorities to hold the attackers accountable for their crimes.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org