Winter 2014issue 110

NIGERIABoko Haram Killing Christians

When the apostle Paul began to write to the church at Corinth, he considered it important to tell them about the troubles that he had experienced as he went around preaching about Jesus: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia.” (2 Corinthians 1 v 8) He went on to ask the church there to help him: “On him [God] we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.” (2 Corinthians 1 v 10,11)

in this issue of Church in Chains, we tell you about the many troubles facing Christians in northern nigeria and we ask you to pray. if you received this magazine in the post, you will find that a bookmark has been enclosed as a reminder to pray.

the magazine also includes news from other countries and updates on Church in Chains’ recent activities, finishing with our annual Christmas Cards to Prisoners Project (see pages 18 & 19).

Yours for the Persecuted,

“As you help us by your prayers… ”

In this issue of Church in Chains

Pages 3 – 9 NigeriaPages 10 – 11 Children’s Pages – NigeriaPages12 – 13 Updates – Pakistan, North Korea and Iran Page 14 Updates – MexicoPage 15 Conference Report Pages 16 – 17 Church in Chains in Action Pages 18 – 19 Action Pages – Christmas Cards to Prisoners

SOURCES: The main feature article on Nigeria was compiled with reference to numerous sources including Al–Jazeera, Anglican Mainstream, BBC, Christian Association of Nigeria, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Christian Today, Church of the Brethren, CNN, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Morning Star News, Nigeria Social Violence Project, Nigerian Tribune, Open Doors International, Press TV, Release International, The News, Voice of the Martyrs Canada, Washington Post, World Watch List, World Watch Monitor.

COVER PHOTO: Armed Boko Haram fighters (Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP)

nigeria is constitutionally secular, with freedom of religion. However, since 1999 sharia law has been imposed in twelve northern states and parts of four others and there has been a growth of violent islamist groups, especially Boko Haram.

Christians living in the north experience violent attacks including house burning, abduction and the bombing and torching of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of churches. thousands of Christians have died in recent years, as well as many Muslims who do not support the islamists’ aims. In central and northern Nigeria, Christians also face deadly raids by ethnic Fulani militants armed with machetes and guns. the central Plateau state, which is predominantly Christian, has seen much violence over the years, as the Muslim minority competes with Christians for fertile farmland. thousands of Christians have died, homes have been burned and hundreds of churches have been destroyed. Christians in Plateau state accused of violent retaliation claim self defence against attacks initiated by Muslims.

On 17 October 2014, Nigeria’s chief of defence announced a ceasefire between Boko Haram and government forces, and stated that Boko Haram would release the schoolgirls kidnapped in Chibok, Borno state in April (see page 7). However, Boko Haram leader Abubakar shekau rejected the announcement and said the girls have converted to islam and have been married off. since the announcement scores more people have been killed and several churches have been burned down and Boko Haram has abducted at least ninety more young women, girls and boys in Borno state.

On 5 november the president of the Christian Association of nigeria said that it was ready to meet senior Muslim clerics with a view to ending the attacks. Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor said, “What is happening in the northeast is unacceptable. Christians are the main victims. We are not saying that other people are not affected. But Christians are the ones affected more. All the places where Boko Haram has hoisted their flags are dominated by Christians.”

3Nigeria

Christians Under Constant Attack

Population: 170 million Majority Religion: Muslim in north Christian in south Christian population: 85 million Persecution Category: Severe (in north) (from Church in Chains Global Guide)

Boko Haram is an islamist terrorist group founded in 2002 by sheikh Mohammed Yusuf in Maiduguri, capital of the northeastern state of Borno. its name means “Western education is forbidden”, and it aims to rid the country of Christianity and the federal system and bring it under strict sharia law.

Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam that forbids Muslims from taking part in any activity associated with Western society. its official name is Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, Arabic for “people committed to the propagation of the Prophet’s teachings and jihad”. It kills Christians for their faith, but also kills Muslims, for reasons that include cooperating with the military, working for the government and refusing to pay extortion taxes. Boko Haram attacks institutions including universities, the police, secular courts and even liberal mosques, and in 2011 it bombed the un headquarters in Abuja. Boko Haram militants attack schools because they believe that girls should not

attend school and boys should only receive an islamic education.

in July 2009 the security forces staged an offensive against Boko Haram that killed at least 700 people, including leader Mohammed Yusuf. Boko Haram regrouped under Abubakar shekau, with a more militant agenda, and declared jihad on the government. in 2010 it reportedly formalised links with Al-Qaeda of the islamic Maghreb, and since then has sent militants to somalia for military training under Al-shabaab, which is linked to Al-Qaeda.

According to President Goodluck Jonathan, since 2009 Boko Haram has killed at least 12,000 people, including state officials and moderate Muslims, and has infiltrated the government, judiciary and security forces, which have been accused of not doing enough to stop the insurgency and to protect Christians. in May 2013 President Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the three most affected northern states (Borno, Adamawa and Yobe) but the attacks intensified, and have spread over the border into Cameroon.

Three Presidents in three years What is Boko Haram?

4 Nigeria

• PASTOR JOHN DAKWAT Amid ruins of church Photo: Morning Star News

• BOKO HARAM FLAG Western education is forbidden

PrAY… that the killings will stop and that Boko Haram will be defeated.Ask God to give the nigerian government wisdom.

Declaring a Caliphate in summer 2014, Boko Haram occupied villages and towns around Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, using improvised explosive devices, anti-aircraft guns, rocket-propelled launchers and machine guns mounted on trucks. On 24 August Abubakar Shekau declared an “Islamic caliphate” – an Islamic state led by a supreme religious and political leader – in the towns and villages it had seized. Boko Haram has also taken areas in Adamawa and Yobe states.

During the takeover the terrorists killed hundreds of people, looted and burned down buildings, hoisted their flags and installed their own emir in the town of Gwoza, which – like other areas taken – was once predominantly Christian. it is estimated more than 178 churches were destroyed around Gwoza.

in captured areas Christian clinics and schools have been shut down, and food for survivors is very scarce. Villagers cannot get to their farms to sow crops and thousands have fled to mountain caves, forests or into Plateau and Benue states or across the border into Cameroon. All are living in very difficult conditions, lacking food, shelter and medication.

On 3 November the deputy governor of Borno State, Zanna Mustapha, said: “If the federal government does not add extra effort, in the next two to three months, the three northeastern states [Adamawa, Borno and Yobe] will no longer be in existence.” He added, “The criminals are better equipped than the military.”

throughout autumn 2014, Boko Haram has continued to carry out deadly raids on churches, villages and schools in northern nigeria, killing scores of Christians and abducting young girls and teenage boys. On 19 October, two days

after the ceasefire announcement, armed extremists stormed two churches in taraba state and killed 31 people as they worshipped.

5Nigeria

PrAY… for peace in nigeria and for an end to the Boko Haram insurgency. Ask God to comfort the bereaved, heal the injured and restore displaced nigerians to their homes.

• ABUBAKAR SHEKAU Video declaration Photo: AFP

• REFUGEES FROM GWOZA Photo: Voice of the Persecuted

A recent report by Human Rights Watch, entitled “Those Terrible Weeks in their Camp” (October 2014) highlights the violence of Boko Haram against women and girls in northern Nigeria, particularly Christians. the report, which is based on 30 interviews with victims of kidnapping (29 of whom are Christian), highlights the fact that the vast majority of young women and girls abducted by the group are targeted because of their Christian faith.

It is estimated that since 2009, at least 500 women and girls have been abducted by Boko Haram in Borno and Yobe states in northern nigeria. the largest single abduction took place at Government secondary school in Chibok, Borno state in April 2014, where 276 schoolgirls were abducted (see page 7). Young men and boys are also targeted by Boko Haram, particularly boys of fighting age, who are given the option of joining the group or being killed. Girls are taken for slavery and to be forced into marriage with Boko Haram fighters. In addition to abductions, Boko Haram has carried out many attacks on schools, destroying a total of 232 schools to date. Many students have been killed in such attacks.

In most cases Christians were singled out for abduction. Many reported that they were threatened with death if they refused to convert to Islam.

A 22-year-old woman stopped at a roadblock described how Christians were separated from Muslims for abduction: “As soon as our bus stopped, the insurgents shouted ‘Muslims, stand on this side. Christians, you infidels, stand on the other side.”

A woman held at a Boko Haram camp described how she was threatened with death unless she converted: “I was dragged to the camp leader who told me the reason I was brought to the camp was because we Christians worship three gods. When I objected to his claim, he tied a rope around my neck and beat me with a plastic cable until I almost passed out. An insurgent who I recognised from my village convinced me to accept Islam lest I should be killed. So I agreed.”

“Those Terrible Weeks in their Camp”

6 Nigeria

PrAY… for an end to abductions and for emotional healing for those who have suffered such abuse.

7

The kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls

Nigeria

On 31 October Boko Haram released a video in which Abubakar Shekau, its leader, denies the government’s ceasefire announcement (to include the release of the kidnapped schoolgirls) and says, “Don’t you know the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls have converted to Islam? They have now memorised two chapters of the Quran. We married them off. They are in their marital homes.” He had previously said the girls would only be released in return for jailed militants, a swap that the government rejected.

On 14 April 2014, Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from the Government Girls’ secondary school in Chibok, Borno state. Chibok is in a predominantly Christian area, and most of the kidnapped girls are from Christian families. some 57 escaped, leaving 219 missing. the girls were taken to the vast sambisa Forest near the Cameroon border, which covers 60,000 square kilometres.

in May, Boko Haram released a video apparently showing the girls and stating that they had become Muslims. some girls who escaped say that Boko Haram threatened to kill them if they refused to convert.

Several countries have helped in the search, but there has been widespread criticism of President Goodluck Jonathan’s handling of the crisis and the governor of Borno state, Kashim shettima, has accused him of not doing enough to save the girls.

Human rights Watch interviewed twelve girls who escaped. they described hearing gunshots, seeing fighters overrunning the school compound and being seized from their dormitory. An 18-year-old said, “Men came and started shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ and at that moment we realised they were Boko Haram. We were told to be quiet. One of them told us that the horrible things we heard happening elsewhere, like burning houses, killing people, killing students, kidnapping people, would happen to us now. We all started crying and he told us to shut up.”

PrAY… for the release of the schoolgirls. Ask God to protect them and comfort their families.

8 Nigeria

Benjamin Kwashi is the Anglican Archbishop of Jos, the capital of Plateau state in the middle belt of nigeria, which has been the scene of outbreaks of Muslim-Christian violence in recent years. Benjamin has worked bravely as a Christian leader in the region and has survived two attempts on his life.

He is married to Gloria and they have six grown-up children. They also have adopted over 30 orphan children. Gloria’s work in reaching out to widows and orphans has been told in a book published in June 2014.

earlier this year, Benjamin wrote a prayer to be used by those wishing to pray for nigeria. it was printed on the bookmark used on the international Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

in november 2014, Benjamin was asked to comment on yet another Boko Haram attack on a school and wrote, “To say, as some commentators do, that insurgency in the North of Nigeria is fuelled more by poverty than by Islamic extremism, is to undermine the truth with the same old story we hear again and again from those unwilling to face the connected and organised global jihadist network we face today.

“Poverty does not explain the death by suicide bomb of 40 school children – Muslim children – in Potiksum yesterday. It does not explain the abduction, forced conversion, and forced marriage of some 200 girls in Chibok.

To say that this is the result of poverty and corruption is to play down the evil of Boko Haram, and their form of Islam – an Islam we do not know from the Quran, or from the Muslims of my generation. Remember that often – as yesterday – those Muslims who do not share their extremist ideology are often their victims too. Boko Haram and their kind delight in massacres, slaughters, rape and murders – this is not the face of poverty, but the face of radical Islamist jihad.”

Benjamin and Gloria Kwashi

PrAY... for God’s continued blessing and protection on Benjamin and Gloria as they serve the Lord.

9Nigeria

Dr Rebecca Dali is a leading member of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), wife of EYN president Samuel Dali and founder of the Centre for Caring, Empowerment, and Peace Initiatives (CCEPI) – an nGO aiding those affected by violence in north-east nigeria, especially women and children, and orphans, the most vulnerable populations there.

eYn, which is predominantly based in north-east nigeria, is the church attended by most of the 276 girls abducted by Boko Haram in April 2014 and samuel and rebecca have visited their families on several occasions.

samuel said: “I visited Chibok just a week after the attack with the aim of comforting them. But it was such an emotional meeting as the parents recounted their ordeal. I was so devastated myself and started crying. I raised the question: why should God allow such a thing to happen? But the parents were strong in their faith and one of them comforted me. He said such evil will sometimes happen, and when it happens we only have to rely on God and then hope God will change the situation.”

in september, Boko Haram attacked the town of Michika where samuel and Rebecca lived and the family had to flee. Rebecca said: “The memories of the day militants attacked are still fresh in my mind... People were trapped: some in their churches, some in their homes, and more than 150 were killed… I cannot go to Michika; it’s been turned into a death zone for now. Maybe our house and our CCEPI office in Michika were looted or burnt down, with all the materials (sewing and knitting machines, foodstuffs etc.) to be distributed to widows, whose husbands were killed by the insurgents.”

Boko Haram has killed more than 3,000 eYn church members and burnt down more than a hundred eYn churches. Over 96,000 eYn church members have become refugees.

PrAY... that the Lord will encourage and strengthen rebecca and samuel as they seek to continue to serve Him.

Rebecca and Samuel Dali

The name Boko Haram means “Western education is forbidden”. Its members follow a strict version of Sharia (Islamic law) and they forbid anything to do with Western society, including voting, wearing shirts and trousers and going to non-Islamic schools. Boko Haram was founded in 2002 in a city called Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state in the northeast. In 2009 Boko Haram began a campaign of violence, and since then it has killed at least 12,000 people. It aims to overthrow the government, make northern Nigeria totally Muslim and force everyone to follow strict Sharia law.

What is Boko Haram?

Nigeria is a huge country of 170 million people –

the biggest population of any country in Africa. About

half of Nigerians are Christian, and half are Muslim. The country is divided into 36 states, each with its own government. The capital is

Abuja, in the middle of Nigeria. The modern city of Abuja (pictured) has about one million people (around the size of Dublin), but it’s not the biggest city. The biggest is Lagos, the old capital, which is a port on the south coast with about 21 million people.

Most Muslims live in the north of Nigeria and most Christians live in the south, but many Christians do live in the north, and they are in big trouble from extremist Muslim attackers. These terrorists, from an organisation called Boko Haram, want to get rid of Christians so they attack them and their church buildings, homes and businesses. They also attack Muslims who don’t agree with them, including students, police and people who work for the government. The terrorists kidnap people to use them as slaves, to force them into marriage or to use them as fighters.

How many people live in Nigeria?

Why are Christians being attacked?

HEY KIDS – WHAT

In April 2014, Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok, in Borno State. Most of the girls were Christians. In May, Boko Haram released a video in which they said that the girls had become Muslims. Some girls who escaped say that Boko Haram threatened to kill them if they didn’t become Muslims.

The Nigerian government has tried to find the girls, with help from other countries, but they couldn’t be found because they were taken to the enormous Sambisa Forest, which is 60,000 square kilometres in size. Boko Haram said it would free

the girls if the government released Boko Haram prisoners from jail, but the government said “no”. There are 219 girls still missing, as 57 escaped.

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT NIgErIA?

Who are the kidnapped schoolgirls?

A prayer for Nigeria Dear god, Please bless the church in Nigeria. We ask you to protect all Nigerians who are at risk of attack, and we ask you to help the government to overcome Boko Haram. Please comfort people who have lost loved ones and heal those who have been injured. We pray that the kidnapped schoolgirls will soon be free and we ask you to protect them and comfort their families. Amen

Boko Haram uses bombs, anti-aircraft guns, rocket-propelled launchers and machine guns. It sets fire to houses, carries out raids with guns and machetes and has bombed and burned hundreds of churches – maybe thousands. Many Nigerian Christians are scared of going to church in case Boko Haram attacks them, so some churches have security guards. In parts of northern Nigeria that Boko Haram has taken over, Christians have had to run away. Their clinics and schools have been closed and food is running out, as farmers cannot get to their fields to sow crops.

How does Boko Haram carry out its attacks?

Shama Bibi (28) and Shahzad Masih (32) were brutally killed by a mob of over 3,000 people in Punjab province on 4 november after a co-worker of shama accused her of desecrating the Quran. the couple lived and worked at a brick kiln in Chak 59 village, about 60 kilometres southwest of Lahore.

The accusation against Shama was first made by a Muslim co-worker who noticed some half-burnt pieces of paper that shama had burnt while clearing out rubbish. He immediately and falsely alleged that she had desecrated pages from the Quran. An eyewitness stated: “The mob mercilessly beat up Shama and Shahzad, using fists, kicks and batons at will. Shama was already dead by the time the Islamist zealots had thrown her body into the kiln. Shahzad was still alive when he was shoved into the fire.” Shama was pregnant with the couple’s fifth child. They are survived by two boys and two girls, the eldest a son aged seven.

(AP, CSW, Daily Mail, Morning Star News)

Church in Chains has written to the Embassy of Pakistan in Dublin, expressing outrage at the appalling murders and calling again for the reform of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

12

Christian couple killed by mob in Pakistan

Updates

up d a t e

s

High Court confirms Asia Bibi’s death sentenceOn 16 October, the Lahore High Court dismissed Asia Bibi’s appeal and upheld the death sentence that was passed on her four years ago under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws. Asia’s lawyer immediately announced that an appeal would be filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Over twenty mullahs attended the court hearing, reflecting the pressure that often accompanies court hearings in

blasphemy law cases. Asia’s husband Ashiq Masih, who attended the court hearing, said: “This appeal was supposed to be a ray of hope, but the rejection of the appeal has shattered our confidence.”

it is feared it may be several years before the supreme Court hears the case. (AFP, Church Times, CLAAS)

On 8 November, Kenneth Bae was released after almost two years in detention in North Korea and was flown on a us government plane to America, where he was greeted by his mother.

Kenneth’s release came after James Clapper, the us director of national intelligence, travelled to Pyongyang with a letter from President Obama to north

Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, asking for his release. Kenneth worked as a tour operator and was arrested in november 2012 while leading a tour in north Korea’s rason City. it was alleged that he took part in evangelism activities.

Kenneth told reporters: “It’s been an amazing two years, I learned a lot, I grew a lot, lost a lot of weight – in a good way – but I’m standing strong because of you and thank you for being there in such a time as this.” (AP, CNN, Sky News)

iranian pastor Behnam Irani has been given an extra six–year prison sentence. the sentence was imposed after he and two other Christians, Matthias Haghnejad and Silas Rabbani, were convicted of “action against national security” and “creating a network to overthrow the System”. the men had earlier been charged with “spreading corruption on Earth”, which can carry the death sentence, but these charges were dropped in september.

Behnam irani is half way through a six-year prison sentence for leading church services. the extra six years given to him mean that he now faces nearly a

decade in prison, and is not due for release until 2023. Behnam has endured ill treatment and serious health problems during his imprisonment. All three men are appealing their sentences. (CSW, Middle East Concern, Present Truth Ministries)

13Updates

. . . N e w s i n B r i e f . . .

Kenneth Bae released and flown to America

Behnam Irani given extra six-year sentence

Sign up for weekly email updates at www.churchinchains.ie

14

Three more Acteal Prisoners released

On 13 november 2014, Lorenzo Ruiz Vazquez, Alfredo Hernandez Ruiz and Jose Guzman Ruiz, three of the remaining five “Acteal” prisoners, were released from Amaté prison in Chiapas state by order of the Mexican supreme Court. the court’s decision was based on violations of their rights to due process.

Like the previously released prisoners, the newly-released men have been forbidden from returning to their local communities and will, instead, be provided with accommodation in tuxtla Gutierrez, the state capital of Chiapas. A local pastor, Manuel Arias, took their wives to tuxtla to be reunited with their husbands. Al schreuder (speaker at the Church in Chains conference in 2010) regularly visits the resettled prisoners in tuxtla to offer pastoral care and speak at worship services.

The released men spent almost 17 years in prison on charges of participating in the Acteal “massacre”, when forty five innocent people (mainly women and children) died in a violent gun battle in December 1997. the authorities responded by arresting a group of 79 men, mainly evangelical Christians. the vast majority of the men protested their innocence, but when a local pastor visited the prisoners

to seek to find out the truth, five of them, including Alfredo Hernandez ruiz, confessed to participating in the gun battle.

in september 2004, the Mexican Attorney General recommended the release of most of the prisoners but none was released due to strong, organised local opposition. the first 20 prisoners were finally released in 2009 and further groups were released in 2010, 2012 and 2013. Antonio Hernandez Perez was released in July 2014.

in recent months, Church in Chains has been pleased to pass on two designated gifts from a uK-based supporter to the prisoners’ support fund, which has assisted the wives of the prisoners to make bi-monthly visits to their husbands in Amaté prison and has assisted with the health expenses of some families of previously-released prisoners.

the two remaining prisoners are Elias Luna Vazquez and Victorio Oyalte Paciencia.

• LORENZO RUIZ VAZQUEZ Photo: Open Doors USA

• RELEASED PRISONERS Photo: Al Schreuder

Updates

15

“God is building His church”

Conference Report

Joseph D’Souza (All-india Christian Council) told the 140 delegates at the annual Church in Chains conference in Athlone in september that God is building His church in india despite the growth of anti-Christian persecution throughout the country.

speaking on the topic “Why do indian Christians face persecution?”, he said that persecution dated back to the 1990s. He explained that persecution from Hindu extremists was on the increase in india but he also said “we believe God wants His kingdom to grow” and “the church of Christ will never disappear from the earth”.

Dr D’Souza said that the Church in Chains conference was the first persecution conference he had spoken at since narendra Modi was elected president of india in May. He said he believed that the next five to ten years will be difficult for Indian Christians as Hindu extremists who strongly supported Narendra Modi have been emboldened by his election and are confident of pursuing their Hindutva agenda (i.e. India is for Hindus only).

speaking at the afternoon session of the conference on the topic of “the Church in india today”, Dr D’souza outlined the origins of the Hindu caste system and explained how it permeates all of life in India and, especially, how caste defines the range of occupations available to individuals.

He explained that Jesus, a carpenter, is seen as a low-caste person. Below the caste system lie the Dalits (previously known as untouchables) who do all the dirty jobs in society. The church has grown most among Dalits, who now make up 80% of India’s 71 million Christians.

Dr D’souza, who founded the Dalit Freedom network, explained that Dalits are forced to drink from separate cups. He held up a small clay cup and said Dalits were supposed to drink from such cups and then smash them on the ground

so that no could else could be polluted by drinking from them. He also explained that Hindus believe a Dalit’s shadow pollutes anyone on whom it falls, and spoke of the terrible exploitation of Dalit women, many of whom are sexually abused.

the conference also included times of praise and prayer as well as updates from around the world and news about the work of Church in Chains.

16

Questions in the Dáilthank you to all supporters who presented copies of the Church in Chains Global Guide to local tDs. A copy of the Global Guide was posted from the Church in Chains office to every other TD, Senator and MeP in the country. this has led to a raised awareness among politicians of the widespread persecution of Christians worldwide.

several tDs responded by tabling questions to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Dáil. Colm Keaveney (Galway East) questioned the Minister about ireland’s response to the persecution of Christians in the Middle east; Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid-West) and Seán Kenny (Dublin North East)

raised the case of Asia Bibi, while Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan) asked about the rise in persecution of Christians documented in the Global Guide. Charles Flanagan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, reiterated the high priority that ireland attaches to promoting freedom of religion or belief and the continuing representations that it has made about Asia Bibi.

Spirit Radioevery month, spirit radio i n t e r v i e w s David turner about the latest news from the p e r s e c u t e d church around the world. the interview is broadcast after 9.30am on the second thursday of each month on “the Morning show with Wendy Grace”. the next interview is scheduled for thursday 11 December. You can listen to spirit radio on 89-92 FM and on 549mw around the country. David is pictured with rob Clarke (spirit CeO) after a recent interview.

In the Public Eye

• CHARLES FLANAGAN Minister for Foreign Affairs

IDOPthank you to everyone who arranged for the international Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church to be marked in november. Over 40 churches participated by taking time during their services to pray for nigeria using a PowerPoint presentat ion and a Prayer Bookmark supplied by Church in Chains. Churches from

counties Antrim, Armagh, Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Meath, roscommon, sligo, tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Westmeath and Wicklow took part.

Church in Chains in Action

17Church in Chains in Action

Money Matters

thanks to the committed team of helpers from the Corwillis Prayer Group who, once again, organised the annual Gospel Concert in aid of the Persecuted Church. in late september, a large crowd gathered at Corcaghan, Co. Monaghan to enjoy the country-gospel style concert. €5,200 was collected for use in aiding Christian refugees in iraq, which has been passed on to our partner organisation, Barnabas Fund.

Corcaghan Concert

thank you to all who contributed to our project to support india’s persecuted Christians. We are delighted to have been able to forward €10,000 to our partners, All-india Christian Council, who will use it to support victims of attacks by Hindu extremists; to offer legal support to pastors and churches under threat; to record incidents of anti-Christian persecution; and to submit reports to international bodies.

India Project

Tax Reclaim

Church in Chains’ accounts for 2013 were approved by a meeting of the Church in Chains trustees in november 2014. income for the year was €129,916 while expenditure was €128,558 (which included €53,418 on overseas projects). Our Director, David turner, was paid a salary of €39,400. the 2013 Accounts can be viewed on our website www.churchinchains.ie (click on About us) or are available on request.

2013 Accounts

thank you to all those who returned tax reclaim forms. Church in Chains has recently received €8,962 from the revenue Commisioners as repayment of tax paid in 2013 by donors.

if you forgot to return your form, it’s not too late! Please send it to the Church in Chains office as soon as possible or phone us to request a replacement.

18 Action Page

Remember the Persecuted at Christmas

Once again, this Christmas we encourage you to take a few minutes to send a Christmas Card to a Christian prisoner. On the facing page, you will find brief information about and addresses for prisoners in China, iran and uzbekistan.

each of the three prisoners is serving a long prison sentence and was included in the Church in Chains Lent Prayer Project earlier this year. By sending a Christmas card, you are sending a very clear message to their jailers: it shows that the Christian prisoner is known and cared about overseas. this can influence them to be diligent about caring well for the prisoner.

Card Writing Guidelines 1. Begin by choosing a Christmas card (use one with a Bible verse/nativity scene if you like).

2. Write a short greeting – these prisoners do not speak english (a prison guard or fellow prisoner may be able to translate).

3. Assure the prisoner that you are praying for him.

DON’T make any criticism of the government

DON’T mention Church in Chains (or any similar organisation) as this could lead to the prisoner being accused of links to a “hostile” organisation

DON’T refer to any harsh treatment that may be occurring as this could lead to the prisoner being accused of spreading malicious information

How should I address the envelope?With great care – prison addresses are quite long.

Print the address clearly and carefully. Affix correct postage and airmail sticker.

What does it cost to post the card?

€1.00 (from Ireland) 97p (from the uK)

When is the latest date for posting for Christmas? Saturday 6 December

if you do not make that deadline, please do post your card later in December as it will bring encouragement whenever it arrives.

Alimujiang Yimiti (40) is a uighur Christian from Xinjiang province in north-west China. He has been in prison since January 2008 and is serving a 15-year

sentence in labour camp. Although he is legally entitled to one visitor per month, the prison authorities have illegally restricted him to one visitor every three months. His wife Guli nuer visited him in August and said that while Alimujiang appeared to be in good health, she is still concerned for his overall wellbeing.

Prisoner Names and Addresses

19Action Page

Alimujiang Yimiti Section 11Xinjiang No. 3 Prison 1339 Dongzhan Road Urumqi Xinjiang 830013 PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Farshid Fathic/o Elam Ministries PO Box 75 Godalming Surrey GU8 6YP ENGLAND

Haydarov, ToharUYa 64/49Otryad 13Pos. Shaikh-Alig. KarsiKashkadarya Region180020 UZBEKISTAN

Farshid Fathi (35) was arrested in December 2010 and is serving a six-year sentence imposed after he was convicted of unlawfully distributing Bibles. in August 2014, he was moved from evin prison (tehran) to rajai shahr prison in nearby Karaj. He is detained in an open cell with hardened criminals and drug addicts and there are fears for his safety.

Tohar Haydarov (30) is a Baptist from tashkent in uzbekistan who was given a ten-year jail sentence in 2010 on false charges of selling drugs. tohar is imprisoned in a labour camp near Karshi (400 km from his home city). no new information has been received about him for some time. Friends from tohar’s church travel the long distance to visit him as often

as they can (usually every two months).

An independent irish charity that encourages prayer and action in support of persecuted Christians worldwide.

CHURCH IN CHAINS PO Box 10447, Glenageary, Co. Dublin,ireland.

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Director: David turner

Church in Chains is a member of Aontas, evangelical Alliance ireland, the Wheel and the Department of Foreign Affairs and trade nGO standing Committee on Human rights.

registered charity in ireland (CHY 15443).

Church in Chains magazine is published four times a year and is edited by David Turner and Virginia Chipperfield.

COMMITTEE Pamela CoulterDavid Franklinseán Ó CluaidKeith talbot (treasurer)David turnerBert-Jan van embden

TRUSTEES David Franklinnorah LynchDavood MahmoodnezhdJim McGingBert-Jan van embden

PANEL OF REFERENCE Bishop Ken ClarkePastor Vincent Gannonrev nigel Mackey

GIVINGChurch in Chains is entirely supported by voluntary donations. Gifts are used to pay for all the necessary expenses, including salaries, associated with our campaigning work and to distribute grants to overseas partners in China, eritrea, india, iran, iraq, Mexico, nigeria, north Korea, Pakistan, syria and turkey.

Cheques etc should be made payable to Church in Chains. Bank Details: IBAN : ie22 iPBs 9906 1020 1759 05 BIC : iPBsie2DDetails about standing orders, legacies and tax-efficient giving available on request.

PRAYER NETWORKDUBLIN CITY First Friday night of the month at Grace Bible Fellowship, Pearse st.Contact David turner 01-282 5393MIDLANDS REGION rotates between Athlone, Ballinasloe, Banagher, Birr, Longford, Mullingar, roscommon, tullamore. Contact seán Ó Cluaid 090-647 5410 CORKCORWILLISGALWAY GREYSTONES Miriam Beattie 01 687 3183

Jenny Gray 091 842479roy rohu 098 27110Mary Gill 053 9144795

Brendan O’Brien 021 4373369Olive sturgeon 047 55137Frank McMurray 091 755 360

01-282 5393 info@churchinchains.ie www.churchinchains.ie

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