Page 16 - Voice of the Persecuted Christians - Jan-Mar 2022 - 121

MALAYSIA INDONESIA
EGYPT
IRAN
PERSECUTION TRENDS 2023
SOUTH- EAST ASIA
partner. In order to do this, it needs to achieve a majority of Muslims in the country, thus there is a drive to convert people to Islam.
MIDDLE EAST
MALAYSIA
Due to Covid restrictions mainstream churches have suffered as the Government has kept them closed. Mosques became operational with full capacity long before churches were allowed to re-open, and with only
Our partner said: ‘Release has been and always will be part of our Malaysian fellowship as its concern and love for the persecuted church are so real. Not only are their prayers and support essential, but so is their personal presence on a regular basis.
IRAN
50 per cent capacity. Some who have spoken out about this imbalance have been promptly silenced with warnings of imprisonment.
During 2022 the authorities particularly targeted those who were involved in any kind of ministry.
‘Persecution is definitely increasing as the Government plans to form an Islamic nation and wants to be ruled by sharia (Islamic law) only,’ said our
‘To all its supporters, we want you to know that your support is a blessing to many, and many have found the strength to worship our living God, just with knowing that they are not forgotten or abandoned.’
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‘Whilst we give thanks to the Lord
that there has not been a wave of persecution against those who have converted (even though some of these can face opposition from family or harassment in their work or studies) there is obviously a campaign to try to stop the spread of Christianity, to arrest those who are leading house churches
Elections are due to be held in
2023 and, depending on the result, significant changes are expected within the coming years. ‘Churches need to be more aware of the agenda, but out of fear and various other reasons they have turned a blind eye to the situation, while at the same time avoiding fellowship with anyone coming to the Lord from an Islamic background.’
• Pray for more open houses for fellowship for those who cannot go to public places of worship.
PRAY