September 11, 2009
Latest Update
Christian Aid just received word from one of the previously arrested missionaries that there has been another round of arrests of believers within this same North African country.
Through the help that Christian Aid gave them, some of the 30 missionaries mentioned in this mailing were protected in secret locations and avoided capture. But many of their converts were affected by this recent roundup.
It is difficult to get daily news in these circumstances, and we are still waiting for specific information on how many believers were recently arrested and what has happened to them. Please keep praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters, that they will continue to persevere to bring glory to the name of the Lord. |
Thirty native believers, exposed by American missionaries within the same North African country, were recently arrested by local police, tortured through electrocution and beatings, and put into prison.
One of the American missionaries was murdered by Muslim extremists while illegally proselytizing outside of a mosque. When the police questioned his American missionary friends, they accused the native believers of murdering their friend and fled the country, even though Al-Qaida had publically boasted of the shooting.
A few years ago, Christian Aid Africa Director, Rae Burnett, met these independent native North African missionaries diligently serving the Lord in this dangerous Islamic region. Through your gifts, Christian Aid has been sending help for their covert work ever since.
One of these men started a nutrition center for persecuted believers who converted from Islam. He also started a rock quarry business to help former black slaves feed their families. Another led five Islamic witchdoctors to the Lord and has started plans to rescue children from enslavement to other Muslim witchdoctors. Yet another has begun plans to open a bookstore in which he could form relationships and lead lost souls to Christ.
These believers were told they could be released from prison with the payment of a $1000 fine each. Funds to release some of these brothers were taken from a small amount of contributions in the Africa persecution account (500MPB), and one loving Christian Aid donor sent $5000, saying passionately, "Get my brothers out of there!"
It is imperative that Christian Aid keep this account full and ready to be used at any moment to immediately send help for other persecuted believers.
Rae talked with these brothers and they are tremendously encouraged by the Lord and determined to press on by His grace. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers and support for the persecuted Church.
For more information contact rae@christianaid.org or call our office at 434-977-5650.