Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:14

And the LORD GOD said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly thou shalt go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life.

-- Gen. 3:14 (KJV)

In this verse, God places a curse upon the serpent, which is the devil or satan.  Notice that the first part of this curse begins, "Because thou has done this," which shows that a curse comes upon a a being in the spiritual or the physical realm because something was done incorrectly.  In this case, the serpent deceived man into disobeying God.

As a result, the serpent is cursed above every other animal in the animal kingdom.  The proof of the curse that is placed upon the serpent is that the serpent was now forced to move upon its belly and forced to eat dust for the rest of its life.   I don't see snakes walking around, which means that this curse upon the devil is still in effect.

The moral of this verse is that doing things incorrectly leads to being cursed.  Choose to do the right thing in order to release yourself from being cursed.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 3,5,8,1,4.  (3) To stay in the Spirit, learn how to speak towards the enemy.  (5) To stay in God's presence, realize that your actions cause future reactions.  (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God or remain cursed.  (1) Choose to stay in the anointing or remain cursed.  (4) Stay in God's Word or remain a bottom-feeder.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:13

And the Lord God said unto the woman.  What is this that thou hast done?  And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

-- Gen. 3:13 (KJV)

The blame game pops up again in consecutive verses.  After the man blames the woman for everything in verse 12, the woman blames the serpent for everything in this verse.  The problem with mankind is that they are giving the devil too much credit.

A common quote heard among people goes like this.  "The devil made me do it."  That quote is hogwash.  The devil cannot make you do anything.  All that he can do is persuade you to do something wrong, but saying no to the persuasion squashes that idea for the moment.  When you say no, then he is not able to forcibly put his hands on you and cause for you to do anything.  You have to decide to do something before you actually commit the action.

Notice that the verse says that she ate after being tricked by the serpent.  She's the one that committed the action.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 3,4,7,1.  (3) To stay in the Spirit, listen to Him when He speaks to you.  (4) To stay in God's Word, confess to Him your wrongdoing.  (7) To be complete, speak to the Lord correctly.  (1) To stay in the anointing, do not allow for the serpent to trick you.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:12

And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

-- Gen. 3:12 (KJV)

Instead of fully accepting the blame for disobeying the Lord, Adam puts the blame on Eve for the error that he committed.  Even to this day, men blame women for just about everything.  Every 9 seconds in the USA, a woman is assaulted or beaten due to domestic violence.

One can easily tell whether or not a spiritual gathering is on the up and up.  All that one has to do is to observe how the women are treated.  For example, look at the religion of Islam.  The religion of Islam totally degrades women.  In Islam, it is legal for a man to hit her wife if they have a simple verbal disagreement.  In Islam, a man can divorce his wife at any time for any reason without having to pay alimony.  In Islam, women are commanded to be fully veiled whenever they are in public.  In Islam, women are viewed to have 1/25th of the value of men.  Instead of blaming women for everything, reflect on how you can change for the better.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 3,6,1,2.  (3) To stay in the Spirit, speak correctly to Him.  (6) To expose evil, realize that women are gifts from God.  (1) To stay in the anointing, stop blaming women for your mistakes.  (2) To be delivered, watch what you eat.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:11

And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked?  Hast thou eaten of the tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

-- Gen. 3:11 (KJV)

The consequence of sin is paranoia.  After the sin was committed, man became self-conscious and began to dwell upon their inadequacies instead of focusing upon God.  To be less self-conscious in an indulgent society, the key is to go back to doing what God has commanded for you to do.  In this case, do not eat what you are not supposed to eat.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 3,2,5,1.  (3) To stay in the Spirit, listen to His voice.  (2) To be delivered, do not focus upon your own shortcomings.  (5) To stay in God's presence, obey His commands.  (1) To stay in the anointing, obey God's commands.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:10

And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

-- Gen. 3:10 (KJV)

After the sin was committed, Adam turned away from God and hid because he was ashamed.  The shame of the past can cause a person to no longer take heed to the Word of God.  Do not allow what you have done in the past to paralyze you in your relationship with God.  Do not be afraid to do what God tells you to do.

You do not need to be ashamed to turn to God even though you have made mistakes in the past.  God sees everything that you do anyway, so you might as well leave the past in the past and continue to move forward.  When you choose to move forward, then your relationship with God will no longer be hindered.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 3,1,4.  (3) To stay in the Spirit, speak to Him correctly.  (1) To follow God, listen to His voice.  (4) To gain instruction, choose to be courageous.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:9

And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

-- Gen. 3:9 (KJV)

After Adam disobeyed the command from God, Adam went to hide.  Instead of giving up on mankind, God decided to look for Him.  When we lose our bearings in life, then do not hide.  Look to get back on track.  There is nothing to be ashamed of because everyone makes mistakes.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 3,9.  (3) To stay in the Spirit, realize that He has called for you to do something upon this earth.  (9) To overturn evil, listen to what God says to you.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:8

And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day:  and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

-- Gen. 3:8 (KJV)

After Adam and Eve committed the first sin, they were ashamed to be around God.  Doing the wrong things will hinder you in your spiritual relationship with God.  There's no need to be ashamed around the Lord God because we all make mistakes.  Look at the first part of this verse again.  The Lord God was the One initiating the conversation in this verse.  He wants to spend time with you.  Stop making excuses that limit your level of spirituality.

Many people wonder how they could achieve more access to the presence of God.  Well, this verse unlocks a mystery that was pretty easy to solve.  Notice that the first phrase of the verse states "voice of the Lord God" while the second phrase of this verse states "presence of the Lord God."

Voice = Presence.

To experience more of God's presence within your life, you must take the time to listen to His voice.  Listen to His words.  Read His Word.  Recite His Word because His voice equals His presence.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 3,8,2.  (3) To stay in the realm of the Spirit, listen to His voice.  (8) To have a new beginning in God, choose not to hide from His presence.  (2) To be delivered, choose not to run from the presence of God.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:7

And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

-- Gen. 3:7 (KJV)

The moral of this verse is very simple.  When the focus turns away from God, then a person will begin to focus upon his or her own insecurities.  Notice that Adam and Eve made clothes in order to cover their inadequacies.  Do not allow for materialism to cause for you to become a disillusioned person.  If you cover up your flaws, then you will never fix them.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 3,7,1.  (3) Stay in the Spirit so that your vision does not become locked in upon depravity.  (7) To be complete, do not focus upon your own inadequacies.  (1) To follow God, do not attempt to cover up your flaws.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:6

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

-- Gen. 3:6 (KJV)

How could Adam and Eve do the only thing that they were not supposed to do?  Notice the progression that is within this verse.  The incorrect focus led to the desire to do wrong.  Realize that your eyes are the key to your future.  You will do whatever you focus upon.  If you want to do something in life that will impact others in a positive fashion, then you need to focus upon the topic of positivity.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 3,6,9.  (3) To stay in the Spirit, do not allow for your focus to stray.  (6) To expose evil, realize that something is not good solely because it looks good.  (9) To overturn evil, do not take shortcuts when you are seeking after wisdom.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:5

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

-- Gen. 3:5 (KJV)

The devil was quick to capitalize on the lack of commitment towards God's command given to man in regards to eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  The devil tricked the woman by making the scenario seem like that she was missing out on something.  That's the same trick that he uses now; the deceiver tries to make it seem like God is holding out on you.

However, that persuasiveness should not influence you.  The things that the devil claimed the woman would have were the things that God had already given to mankind.  Knowing your identity is the key to not caving in to the devil because the devil will attempt to offer you things such as power, enlightenment, authority, and knowledge which are things that God has already given you when you choose to believe in the Lord.  Never go for the shortcut that the devil offers.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 3,5,8.  (3) To stay in the Spirit, realize that you can never put limitations upon how much He knows.  (5) Stay in God's presence in order to receive enlightenment.  (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God in order to have authority.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:4

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

-- Gen. 3:4 (KJV)

The #1 trick in the devil's bag that he uses time and time again is that he attempts to persuade people that disobedience of God's commands does not lead to death.  However, this concept is totally false.  For example, a godly command is to not kill another person.  Nevertheless, 437,000 people are dead because they were murdered in 2012.  Disobeying God's commands does lead to death.

In Chapter 2, God commanded man to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil or the result would be death.  The serpent told the woman that she would not die if she ate from the tree.  The serpent made a totally opposite statement from what was commanded by God.  That is the clear telltale sign that will let you know whether you are hearing from God or not.  Anything that contradicts a command from God did not originate from Him.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 3,4,7.  (3) To stay in the Spirit, do not listen to the serpent.  (4) Stay in God's Word in order to avoid death.  (7) Be perfected by God in order to avoid death.

ISIS kidnaps more people in Syria

Islamic State militants have captured dozens of Christian families after seizing a strategically located town in the central Syrian province of Homs, according to a monitor  from the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Friday.  The monitor said at least 230 people were kidnapped or detained, including dozens of Christians, some of whom were taken from the Dar Alyan monastery in Qaryatain, the town captured overnight after intense fighting with the Syrian army. Rami Abdulrahman, the head of the Observatory, said the Christians were "either kidnapped from checkpoints or raids or from churches."  Among those seized were 45 women and 19 children, including 11 families, some of whom were on a list of persons suspected by the militant group of "collaborating with the regime."  The families of hundreds of Christian and Muslim residents of Qaryatain have lost contact with them since the militants captured the area, according to Abdulrahman.  He fears that ISIS may also target other Christian population centers in Hawwarin and Sadad. Towns like Qaryatain are key to ISIS because they are along the Damascus-Homs Highway, a route used to ferry supplies and fighters.  The hardline militant group has been gaining ground in the desert areas east and south of Homs after it took over the ancient Roman city of Palmyra last May.  The Syrian army has launched a large-scale counteroffensive to recapture the city, which lies in a region where some of Syria's largest gas fields are located, but so far has made no significance advances.  An army statement said its forces had targeted "terrorist outposts" in the area and killed scores of militants but did not confirm the capture of the town by the militants. An Assyrian Christian group said these abductions were the latest in a string of events that targeted their community, one of the oldest Christian populations in the Middle East.  Two priests, Father Yacoub Murad and Monk Petros, who ran two monasteries in the area, went missing last May from the town of Qaryatain, according to the Assyrian Monitor for Human Rights, a Christian lobby group.  The group said at least 1,400 families had fled the town to safer areas or took shelter in the government-controlled city of Homs. Islamic State has killed members of religious minorities and Sunni Muslims who do not swear allegiance to its self-declared "caliphate". They also consider Christians as infidels.  Last February, the hardline jihadists abducted at least 250 Assyrian Christians, many of whom were children and women, during raids on villages in northeastern Syria. That mass abduction coincided with an offensive in the same region by Kurdish forces backed by U.S.-led air strikes.  The fate of many of these civilians is unclear, as is that of a number of other priests who have gone missing and are believed to be held by the militants, according to Christian groups. Isaac Six, ICC's Advocacy Director, said, "ICC unequivocally condemns this most recent abduction of Christians in Syria. Coming on top of the kidnapping of 250 Christians last February and Father Yacoub and Monk Petros in May, this latest incident should be a clarion call for the international community to take action. No one, even in time of war, should fear being kidnapped, held for ransom and possibly executed simply for their religious beliefs. We grieve for the families of those who have been abducted even as we call on the United States and other allies to step up efforts to protect Christians and other religious minorities from the barbaric actions of the Islamic State." For interviews, contact Isaac Six, Advocacy Director:  Advocacy@persecution.org  # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) 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.

Sudanese pastors acquitted

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Sudanese Pastors Yat Michael and Peter Yen were acquitted by a court in Khartoum today after serving more than seven months in prison on multiple charges, including espionage and waging war against the State. If convicted, the pastors faced possible flogging, life imprisonment or the death penalty.  Pastors Michael and Peter were initially detained by Sudan's notorious National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) without charge in late 2014 and early 2015 for several months. Their case gradually garnered widespread international attention and prompted calls for their release by international advocacy organizations, including Amnesty International and ICC. According to sources present at the sentencing hearing in Khartoum today, presiding judge Ahmed Ghaboush convicted Pastors Michael and Peter of "organizing terrorist organizations" and "breaching the peace," but said, "the sentence they served in prison is enough, release them immediately." A source close to the pastors who spoke with them following the hearing said, "Both pastors are incredibly grateful for all of the hard work and prayers. They could feel the prayers and knew that God was with them." In the most recent report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Sudan was designated a "country of particular concern" for engaging in "systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom or belief." The report goes on to say that the government of Sudan, led by Omar Hassan al-Bashir, "prosecutes persons accused of apostasy, imposes a restrictive interpretation of Shari'ah (Islamic law) and applies corresponding punishments on Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and harasses the country's Christian community" In a July 15 interview with the pastors' defense attorney, Mohaned Mustafa, he said that the arrest of Pastors Michael and Peter was motivated by their pastoral work. "They are missionaries. This is not a crime in Sudan, but this is not acceptable to the government,"Mustafa told ICC. Last year, Sudan also received widespread international condemnation afterconvicting pregnant Christin mother Meriam Ibrahim of apostasy and sentencing her to death. Meriam was later freed and fled with her family to the United States.  Isaac Six, ICC's Advocacy Director, said, "We could not be happier to hear this morning of the release of Pastors Michael and Peter. Their acquittal demonstrates just how critical international attention and support is in undoing the injustices perpetrated by the al-Bashir regime against its own people. The international community must take this opportunity and resolve to stand against the Sudanese regime until serious, long running changes to its treatment of religious minorities are made. Meriam Ibrahim, Michael, and Peter are the faces of only a few of the Christians in Sudan who face terror and prosecution on a daily basis because of their beliefs. Addressing the fundamental issues that undergird this religious persecution is key less we find ourselves here again next year, once more staving off at the last minute another flogging or death penalty.  For interviews, contact Isaac Six, Advocacy Director:  Advocacy@persecution.org  # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) 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.

Pastor beaten to death by Hindu radicals

"Till his last breath, he endured the path of suffering while serving God," said 65-year-old Rodemma, wife of the late Pastor Krupaiah, who died of internal injuries on July 22, 2015.  Pastor Krupaiah, 70, was a victim of a brutal attack by Hindu radicals two years ago in Tukkuguda on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Rodemma recalled, while talking to International Christian Concern (ICC), how her husband had endured many trials for the sake of preaching the Gospel during the early days of their ministry. In 1984 in Ameerpet, Hyderabad, Pastor Krupaiah, a young minister at the time, was brutally assaulted by Hindu radicals while he was distributing Bible Tracts and Christian literature. Pastor Krupaiah was caught at the market place and stripped while the Hindu radicals destroyed the Gospel tracts and Bibles. Since then, trials have been a part of the late Pastor Krupaiah's life and ministry; the latest trial was the deadly attack that left over a dozen pastors injured, including Pastor Krupaiah. "It was on June 4, 2013," said Pastor Timothy. "We were over 50 pastors gathered for prayer and fellowship in an independent church in Tukkuguda. All of sudden over 40 Hindu radicals stormed into the church hall and started beating us all. Soon we realized that some of us were bleeding with injuries all over the body. The blood spilled all over the place [and] we were locked up in the hall. We did not have a choice but to receive blows and kicks." Pastor Krupaiah was seriously injured, with a wound on his head and kicks to the chest; he had already collapsed when the attackers left the place according to witnesses. Pastor Krupaiah was immediately rushed to the hospital while other pastors proceeded to the police station. Unfortunately, the Hindu radicals were already at the police station when the pastors arrived, accusing the pastors of being involved in forced conversion activities. Fortunately, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the attackers at the Pahadisharif police station on the complaint given by the wounded pastors who went to the police straight from the church. For Pastor Krupaiah, it was a daily battle when it came to his health after the attack. Weeks passed and the visible wounds healed. Months passed and the sensation created by the violence died down. However, the internal injuries continued to pose a constant threat to Pastor Krupaiah's life. Reportedly, the injuries caused many blood clots in Pastor Krupaiah's head. Over the course of time, the heavy blows to his chest resulted in multiple organ failures. Pastor Krupaiah breathed his last on July 22, 2015; he was 70 years old.   Rodemma said that, "The road ahead for me also is very tough." She requested prayers for the comfort of the bereaved family and for the ministry that Pastor Krupaiah left behind. Often, the aftermath of religiously motivated attacks and the long term needs of the victims are forgotten. At times, news of pastors and Christian workers facing situations similar to that of Pastor Krupaiah are never heard, leaving their needs unaddressed. Pastor Timothy, leader of a local pastor's fellowship, observed, "More often it is the rural pastors who are the targets of the right wing Hindu nationalist groups. These pastors have no medical insurance and [are] without adequate support, which will make things more difficult when they become victims of persecution." Christians in India are being persecuted on a daily basis. Pastors and Christian workers are often the first to be targeted because of their visibility and mission to carry out the Great Commission. Regardless of where or when they are persecuted, these Christians are truly deserving of our prayers and support. Please remember to pray for persecuted Christians in India today.  For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for South Asia:  RM-SAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) 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.

Terror continues in Kuntluru

In January 2015, Christians in a village in southern India were brutally assaulted by Hindu radicals. In response to the crisis faced by this Christian community, International Christian Concern (ICC) was able to replace the Bibles these Christians lost in the assault, by doing so, and also brought this persecuted community a sense of hope and encouragement. Nirmala and her husband, Pastor John Victor, live in Kuntluru, a village outside of Hyderabad, India. They have lived in the village for 15 years after they were forced to leave their native village with their only son. On January 30, around 7 p.m., Nirmala was returning home from praying with a woman in a neighboring village. On her way, she met another Christian woman, Kalavathi, and they exchanged the Christian greeting, "Praise the Lord". Their greeting was overheard by some youth who the Christians later discovered belong to a Hindu radical group. The youth immediately began to verbally abuse the Christian women, who did not respond as the youths outnumbered them and were very angry. The next morning, Nirmala and her husband awoke to over forty Hindu radicals surrounding their house, chanting anti-Christian slogans. "They were shouting at me using bad language. They said, 'You better hang yourself and die instead of bringing shame to [the] Hindu religion,'" Nirmala told ICC, crying. "They used the kind vulgar language that even I [wanted] to die." Nirmala and her husband were then threatened by the radicals, who told them to, "either leave the village or be ready to die if you [continue to] follow Jesus." They continued,"We will spare you if you come back to Hinduism and start [to] worship Hindu gods." The radicals also told Nirmala that she and her family had abandoned the motherland, India, by believing in a foreign religion. They threatened to take the family's ration card and to destroy the house. The abuse continued for over an hour; after which the radicals attacked Kalavathi's house. After verbally abusing Nirmala and her family for over an hour, the radicals proceeded to Kalavathi's house and forced themselves inside the home. There they threw all the Bibles and pieces of Christian literature they could find outside and burned them. Kalavathi was also warned by the radicals to leave Christianity and return to Hinduism. After the incident, the Christian families submitted a complaint to the police, who arrested eight of the people from the mob. Since then, those eight people have been released from prison on bail and are still living in the same village as the Christians they attacked. When ICC learned of this incident, we determined to help the believers in Kuntluru. ICC arranged with Pastor John that 25 Telugu Bibles would be purchased to replace the ones destroyed by the radicals during the January attack. When the Bibles were purchased, they were delivered to the Kuntluru church by an ICC representative who took that opportunity to reassess the persecution faced by the Christians of Kuntluru. Upon delivery, Pastor John and his church were extremely thankful for the simple assistance.  "The help from ICC in the form of Bibles is very encouraging to me and to my congregation. We are a small Church with few believers and are extremely glad," Pastor John said when sharing some words of thanks."The message of the Bible is love and the act of spreading the scriptures resembles the forgiving heart." Sadly, ICC has discovered that the situation in Kuntluru has not improved for the Christians. Pastor John told ICC that many have stopped coming to church since the attack, fearing further assaults. Nirmala and Pastor John continue to face threats for their faith. They have asked for continued prayers for their safety as well as that of the entire church during this time, especially for those who are kept away from the church by fear. "The assistance from ICC comforts us, and also helps to boost us to carry on the church activities continuously once again thank you so much for the help and assistance, more so for the thoughtful gestures," Pastor John said recently. Please remember Christian communities like these who face persecution simply because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Despite the threats, assaults, and fear, these communities continue to worship and stay faithful. Help ICC remain faithful to them through prayer and giving to ICC's funds dedicated to assisting the persecuted around the world. For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for South Asia:  RM-SAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) 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.

Egyptian kidnapped in Libya

On July 17th, ISIS jihadists in Libya announced via Twitter the capture of 3 "crusaders" in Sirte. Three Christians, one from Nigeria, one from Ghana and one from Egypt were now the captives of the Islamic terrorist group. Islamic State (ISIS) fighters, especially the Libyan affiliates, are infamously known for kidnapping travelling workers of the Christian faith. In February, 21 Christians were martyred, 20 of them coming from small towns in Upper Egypt. Then again in April, more than 30 Christians from Ethiopia and Eritrea, were violently executed for their faith in Jesus. ISIS has shown very little hesitancy to broadcast their actions, in this instance they posted pictures of the ID cards to confirm the identities of Bekhit Nageh Efrak Ebeid from Egypt, Sekyere Kofi Frimpong from Ghana, and Aedola Ibrahim from Nigeria. When word reached the family of Bekhit in Upper Egypt that the militants had published his ID card on social media, their fears for a son and brother Libya were realized. Yes, I Am a Christian Bekhit Nageh Efrank Ebeid, a 20 year old worker from the village of Kom Baddar in the Sohag Province of Egypt was among the three recently taken by militants. He was discovered when the fighters checked his passport and saw that his name was a Christian name. When asked if he believed in Jesus, the 20-year-old answered yes. "There were thirteen passengers on the same van with my brother," Bekhit's brother, Romany told International Christian Concern (ICC). "The captors left them and took my brother only because he is Christian, he was targeted because [of] his faith in Jesus Christ." Bekhit was travelling to Libya to work and save money for his upcoming marriage. Having originally planned to fly from Sudan, Bekhit had to change his plans for financial reasons. He had assured his family that he was safe when traveling in a van full of Muslims, many of whom were also from Upper Egypt. The family's fears of his traveling by land were well justified. Since the fall of long-time authoritarian leader Muammar Ghadaffi in 2011, Libya has become a breeding ground for Islamic extremists who are operate freely and Christians have repeatedly been targeted. It is also a prime route for human traffickers moving migrants from the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean coast where they are just a few hundred kilometers from reaching Italy. "Our village is [a] poor village and the majority of the villagers work in the fields cultivating the farmland," Pastor Youssef Suleiman of Faith Church in Kom Baddar, told ICC. "A great deal of Christian young men left the village and traveled abroad to seek their living because there isn't any work here in the village." This trip was the fourth time that Bekhit had traveled to work in Libya, his longest stay on a previous trip was two years. He had returned home just four months ago, but an opportunity opened up and friends and family had ensured him that it would be safe to travel, Nageh, Bekhit's father told ICC. The news of Bekhit's kidnapping came first from a call he made to his relatives living in Tripoli. After explaining to them that he had been captured, a militant took his cellphone from him. When news reached Bekhit's family in Egypt they immediately called his cellphone. " Romany, Bekhit's older brother told ICC, "A Libyan person answered the call and told me there are three options: paying a ransom, or converting to Islam or killing, and asked me to choose one of the three options."  Since this time, the family has not heard again from the ISIS affiliates, and there is some doubt of whether the original conversation was an actual captor or some other person. The Pain of Not Knowing The Ebeid family has suffered a great deal in the past two weeks. Egyptian news outlets have misreported on Bekhit ever since his kidnapping. False reports of ransom prices and his death have spread throughout the country. The truth remains that no ransom price has been set, the family has not successfully contacted the militants and Bekhit's conditions are not known. Bekhit's father, Nageh, recently told ICC, "We are very worried about Bekhit and our worry, anxiety and fears have been increased after Daash had declared kidnapping him and published a picture of him on the Internet." The latest information allegedly came from fellow Ghanaian captive, Kofi Frimpong Sekyere. On July 26th, Kofi phoned Nageh to tell him of his own release and the situation of those still being held by the militants in Libya. He said Bekhit should be released within a number of days and that he was in good shape and of good faith. This should naturally come as a relief, but the stakes are too high for any real comfort. It is unclear if this was a legitimate call and signals that Sekyere has been set free or if it was just another exploitation of the family. "We are afraid that his fate will be the same fate of the 20 who were beheaded," Nageh continues, "I appeal the government officials to intervene quickly and release my son; my son didn't commit any [crime] to take captive, he traveled to Libya to seek his living." In past cases of Egyptians kidnapped in Libya, the Egyptian government has been limited in its ability to act to secure the fates of their citizens. Impunity is a grave danger and a real fear for the waiting Ebeid family. In all this, however, they have come to find comfort in the comforter himself. Fr. Semaan Saad, the priest of Mar Girgis Coptic Orthodox church in Kom Baddar village told ICC, "I know Bekhit very well, he is [a] very humble, meek, religious, simple and polite young man, and he has a good relationship with God. He is [a] very hard working man. He refused to stay here without work, he belongs to a poor family and had to travel to Libya and endangered his life to find work there to help support his parents and build his future. All the Church's members and I ask God to release him from the hands of those bad captors." Mar Girgis Church is joined by Christians across the country and around the world who are praying for Bekhit and others to be safely released from those who have taken them captive. 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 International Christian Concern (ICC) 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.

Future for Iraq's Christians

"There is horrible and uncontrolled violence and chaos [that is] leaving non-Muslim minorities like the Christians [in] fear for their lives..." Joseph Kassab, President of Iraqi Christians Advocacy And Empowerment Institute (ICAE), explains that only two options remain for Christian in the region: either submit to the violence or flee to Kurdistan and neighboring countries. The current generation has grown up in a world where Iraqi land is bloodstained and war-torn. Nevertheless, Iraq was once the home to some of the most tolerant and ethno-religiously diverse cultures in the world. The fabric of coexistence stitched together both monotheists and polytheists in an ancient land held dear by all living upon it. Yazidi shrines neighbored Christian sites and Mosques shared a land marked with tombs of Jewish prophets. Sadly, we now face a new reality of sectarian hatred and radical jihadists that are intent on erasing all cultures other than their own. Dim-Lit Future Many forget that the Middle East was the birthplace of Christianity and, until recently, a large number still lived there. In 1947 Iraq was home to approximately 4.5 million Christians; in 2003 the figure stood close to 1.5 million. Today, however, the number of Christians in Iraq has tragically fallen to less than 200,000, with perhaps another 150,000 in the Kurdistan region. Still more tragic are the conditions in which these 200,000 live. The majority of remaining Christians live in Baghdad, where recently, four Christian men were kidnapped by Islamic extremists. Dr. Bashar Ghanem Al Akrawi, Saad Galyana Shaba, Qais Abd Shaya and Saher Hanna Sony were all kidnapped within two weeks of each other in early July. The former two were rescued and are well, while the latter two were both killed by their captors, despite their families having paid ransoms for their lives. These types of abductions among other forms of criminality are sectarian based and carried out by powerful and armed militias. Christians have likewise had their homes and household goods stolen from them by means of falsified documents and government corruption. These people face a dim lit future. A Chaldean Patriarch in Iraq recently told Asia News that Christians are "fully fledged citizens of the state, and for hundreds and hundreds of years they have contributed to its civilization and its culture." He appealed to the government authorities to protect the lives and property of these citizens in Baghdad. Joseph Kassab contrastingly explained to ICC that this is not a problem that the Iraqi government will be able to easily resolve as the government itself is fragile and corrupt. "There is no hope in this country" Iraqi Christians, among other minorities, are suffering under dire circumstances with little to no help. Soon enough, their ancient presence in Iraq will no longer be. Bernan Petros, a Christian originally from Bartella, Iraq, told Rudaw News, "There is no hope in this country. We have no hope here. We are so tired of this situation, and now we are thinking of leaving--all Christians together--to seek another place in Europe." This is exactly what will happen unless the Western church acknowledges the reality of what is happening in the Middle East and acts to change it. There is an urgent need for security and aid, but even more important are the tools to restart life. If families are to choose to stay in Iraq they will require sources of income and opportunities for their children. These will be the building blocks for a new future. We must realize that this is a war being waged against religious freedom, not just Iraqis. It is a war to drive out those who don't adhere to the radical beliefs of ISIS or other extremists. How many more fathers, sons, husbands and brothers need to be kidnapped and murdered before we stop turning a fearful blind eye to atrocity? 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 International Christian Concern (ICC) 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.

False claims of blasphemy made again in Pakistan

Christian leaders and human rights activists have lauded Pakistani police for rescuing several Christians accused of blasphemy and for controlling the violent situation that followed the accusation against Christians in late June. According to media reports, several Christians were accused of committing blasphemy on June 30 in Makki village in the district of Sheikhupura, about 21 miles from Lahore, Pakistan. Local sources informed International Christian Concern (ICC) that a poor Christian family in Sheikupura was accused of desecrating the Quran when they used a piece of a banner from an educational institution as a floor mat. The banner carried a phrase in Arabic from the Hadith meaning, "Oh God increase me in my knowledge". A local Muslim cleric reportedly provoked his followers into attacking the Christians, named Owais Qamar, his wife Rukhsana, and his sister Rehana, after claiming that the banner being used as a floor mat was insulting the Quran. After beating the victims, the mob shaved the victims' heads, blackened their faces, and paraded them around the village on donkeys. The display ended when police arrived and prevented the Muslim mob from killing the Christians. Qamar and his family were quickly taken to safety by police and were advised not to return to their village. Two of the clerics who incited the mob were later arrested. While talking with ICC, Peter Jacob, Executive Director of Center for Social Justice, welcomed the change in police behavior and in the will of the political leadership to keep harmony between the two communities. Jacob said, "This is very encouraging to see that some of the recent blasphemy allegations have been effectively handled and snapped by police in Sheikupura, Lahore and Mirpurkhas in Sindh during the running year." "Although I have to be very careful to see it as a precursor of any change in part of the government, it is showing that [the] government is prepared to handle such allegations. They want to handle it administratively which is [a] good and welcome change, yet we would like to see an approach towards legal reforms as well as political response," Jacob continued. Father Cecil Paul, Chairman of Nai Zindge Welfare Foundation, said, "It is an encouraging step by the Punjab police that they rescued the blasphemy accused and provided security to the Christian families in the neighborhood." "However, to curb religious extremism and misuse of religion, the administration has to do a lot more for a peaceful and secular society.In the same manner, police should investigate the incident irrespective of political and religious pressures and [investigate] the cleric for false accusations according to the law," the Chairman demanded. Attaurehman Saman, a human rights activist, hailed the police for their professional intervention in this sensitive situation saying, "We appreciate [the] positive and result oriented attitude of police in a village in Shiekhupura as well as in Sandha in Lahore in May where police defused [a] situation and protected the Christian community before it turning it into another Joseph Colony and Kot Radha Kishan where mob set hundreds of houses on fire and rousted a Christian couple for blasphemy accusation." "All of the state departments, particularly officials of law enforcing agencies, should be vigilant enough to tackle these situations professionally rather becoming part of the emotionally charged sections. The positive and logical attitude displayed by police officers should be followed by others, which would carve the way to build a tolerant and peaceful society," Attaurehman commented. The police refused to file an FIR (First Information Report) against the accused Christian family before moving them to an unknown location for security. Local media highlighted the statement made by District Police Officer Sohail Zafar Chattha. Zafar said, "I would not register a case because no blasphemy has been committed, but I have registered a case against the cleric and 400 others for inciting violence and endangering the lives of the couple." For many Christians in Pakistan, the police action in this case is seen as a glimmer of hope that religious minorities will be treated fairly, even when a religious minority is accused of blasphemy. Pray that this trend of tolerance and justice continues.    For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for South Asia:  RM-SAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) 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.

Modi's promises lack action

"India, being [a] secular democracy, everyone needs to respect each other's beliefs and practices," a dejected rural pastor stated recently in an interview with International Christian Concern (ICC). Despite this, India's Christians are nervous due to Prime Minister Modi's void promises of protection from persecution and are now calling on him to back his promises with real action. Since Prime Minister Modi's election, fear and insecurity among India's Christian community have increased due to ongoing assaults on Christians and their places of worship. These assaults continue to happen despite Prime Minister Modi's vows to protect religious freedom in India. Dr. John Dayal, national spokesperson of the United Christian Forum, said, "The [most desperate] victims are Muslims and Christians, the two religious minorities that have always been the target of the RSS and the BJP. The RSS cadres have in recent months targeted these two communities [with their] infamous 'Ghar Wapsi' program which is actually the conversion of people into Hinduism by force and then promising them government subsidies and jobs." A Rural Pastor's Perspective In India's south, the state of Telangana has become one of the toughest places for Christians over the last year. Pastor Aharon, a rural pastor from Mahabubnagar District within Telangana, is one of the victims of the ongoing increase in religious intolerance and persecution that has left many Christians like him in a state of distress and concern. Pastor Aharon told ICC that every Sunday it is a challenge for him to conduct worship at a village called Masupally. According to Pastor Aharon, before last May there was never a problem. But when Prime Minister Modi won the general election, the trouble began for Pastor Aharon and the Christian community of Masupally. Youth belonging to local Hindu radical group named Hindu Vahini wait for Pastor Aharon at the entrance of the village every Sunday. Pastor Aharon, who lives in a neighboring village, regularly visited Masupally to lead Sunday worship for approximately ten Christian families. Pastor Aharon told ICC, "The situation is such that I cannot give a guarantee that I will go back to my family when I go to conduct worship in Masupally. On more than one occasion, the members of Hindu Vahini, threatened to kill me if I continue to hold prayers in the village. They surround me and they use abusive language and manhandled me. They have warned me not to come back." When asked about his thoughts on Prime Minster Modi's promises to protect religious freedom, Pastor Aharon questioned the sincerity of Prime Minister Modi's promises. "India, being [a] secular democracy, everyone needs to respect each other's beliefs and practices, but what is happening in my village is contrary to the fundamental rights our constitution guarantees for every citizen." India's Christians Call for Real Action Dr. Dayal, said that, "India should therefore be held accountable to international treaties on human rights and freedom of religion and belief. There should also be a monitoring of the funding of Hindu extremist organizations as is done in the case of Islamic [extremists] and other groups." Reverend Ronald John, Chairman of Telangana Christian Joint Action Committee, asserted that, "There has been double standard and a bias when it comes to filing cases on the perpetrators dealing with attacks on religious minorities. We demand both union and state government to ensure impartial actions both by administration and police." Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, highlighted the need for government action to protect Christians and other vulnerable religious minorities in India amid the rise in attacks by Hindu radicals. Cardinal Toppo said in a media interview, "The government has not come out to protect and defend. The Prime Minister has only once spoken in defense of the constitution and he promised to protect the Christians and other minorities. But that was only a promise." Those suffering from religious extremism and intolerance continue to endure persecution as the assurances of Modi and his government remain words without deeds. The Christian community of India appeals to Prime Minister Modi to take real action to ensure the freedom of faith and equality for all before the law. It is hoped that the cries of these vulnerable Christians will be heard.  For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for South Asia:  RM-SAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) 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.