October 2018 Persecution Magazine

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October 2018
PERSECU ION
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Iran’s
Call for
Freedom
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INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN

In This Issue
FEATURE
14 | Iran: Government Control
Slipping as Iranians Demand
Freedom
This year, Iran has faced historic levels
of protests as citizens demand increased
freedoms.
FEATURE
18 | Healing the Helpless in
Rural Nepal
An attack on a rural pastor in Nepal left
him injured and financially destitute.
See how ICC provides for those who
feel abandoned.
FEATURE
20 | Hero on the Hill:
Congressman Dennis Ross
Congressman Dennis Ross leads a
bipartisan congressional letter to Prime
Minister Modi addressing the persecution
of Christians and other minorities.
14
HIGHLIGHT
23 | Ministerial to Advance
Religious Freedom
As part of the State Department’s initiative,
lCC hosted a roundtable on Nigeria,
highlighting real issues and proposing
solutions to end the attacks on Christians.
PROJECT UPDATE
24 | Hope Grows
Two of the 10 communal farms ICC is
creating for survivors of Fulani militant
attacks are up and running.
Regular Features
3 Letter from the President
A few words from ICC’s president,
Jeff King, on the Gospel’s rapid spread
throughout Iran.
4 World News
A snapshot of the persecution that
impacts our brothers and sisters daily, in
every corner of the world.
8 Your Dollars at Work
Learn how your gifts are providing
comfort, relief, Bibles, education and
vocational training to the persecuted.
12 Volunteers
Learn how members of ICC’s volunteer
teams are making an impact in their
communities for the persecuted.
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Jeff King, President
International Christian Concern
Iran! What words are associated with this country in your
mind? Terrorism? Radical Islam? Ayatollahs? The real story
is much more fascinating.
What if I told you that the Church has been growing at an
incredible rate in Iran for years?
That’s right. Iranians below the age of 35 are mostly fed up
with the government and are generally quite leery of Islam.
They have had their fill of it and have not liked what they’ve
seen. They associate corruption, hypocrisy, and violence with
their Islamic leaders and even with Islam itself.
The country is impoverished and filled with heroin, which has
led to all kinds of social decay. It is a pretty hopeless scene on
the ground.
Ahhhh, but this is all fertile ground for the Gospel and it should
fill your heart with immense encouragement that the Lord has
been working successfully behind the scenes in Iran for the
last 30 years. Jesus has appeared to many thousands in dreams
and visions, secret evangelists and church workers have risked
everything to free their countrymen, and the masses are often
very interested in hearing about Jesus.
The Gospel is making its way into the hearts and minds of the
Iranian people! We are working with the underground Church
in Iran, and other countries, and it’s incredibly exciting work.
Jesus is especially desirable when held up to Islam or when
there is no hope. He will always win in these situations and His
Church will grow. Please keep Iran in your prayers. Pray for
our brothers and sisters in prison and for those who risk their
lives to serve the Iranian Church.
Please join us as we bandage and build the persecuted Church.
As always, your donations will be used efficiently, effectively,
and ethically.
Jeff King
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News
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Indonesian Christian Sentenced to Four
Years in Prison for Facebook Post
1 | INDONESIA On July 24, the Medan District Court in
Indonesia sentenced Martinus Gulo to four years in prison
and issued him a fine of 1 billion Rupiah (nearly 70,000
USD) for religious defamation. If he is unable to pay
the fine, he may opt to serve an additional six months in
prison instead.
The case arose after the 21-year-old Christian was
found guilty of blasphemy due to a Facebook post that
insulted the prophet Muhammad. The hardline group
Islamic Defenders Front reported the post to the police
and Gulo was arrested shortly after in March.
Gulo’s conviction came after a moderate Muslim in
Indonesia was handed a five-year sentence under the
same law. He was also convicted for a post on social
media that extremist groups found insulting. The two
were both sentenced
under the Information
and Electronic
Transactions (ITE)
law, which has been
the source of much
controversy throughout
Indonesia.
Such blasphemy
laws have drawn international
attention in
recent years following
the arrest of former
Jakarta governor
Basuki ‘Ahok’ Tjahaja
Purnama. He was
accused of blasphemy
after a video of one of
his campaign speeches
was edited to make it
appear as though he
insulted the Quran.
The world was stunned
after he was sentenced
to two years in prison
for blasphemy, even
after the prosecutors
called for the blasphemy
charges to be
dropped in favor of a
lesser charge.
These laws are often
manipulated for political
gain and used for
religious discrimination,
often leaving
minority Christians in
their wake. If Indonesia
wants to maintain its
reputation as a bastion
of religious tolerance,
which it prides itself
on, it must reevaluate
these detrimental
blasphemy laws.
“As they entered, the
authorities threw the
son to the ground
before attacking the
pastor.”
Iranian Pastor’s Home Violently
Raided
2 | IRAN Iranian state security forces recently raided
the home of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. The authorities
attempted to break into the home before the
pastor’s son opened the door. As they entered, the
authorities threw the son to the ground before attacking
the pastor. They began beating Pastor Nadarkhani
with an electric shocker and arrested him in front of
his family. All of this took place without any official
summons to justify the raid. Authorities told the family
that the pastor would be transferred to the notorious
Evin Prison.
Pastor Nadarkhani and three others were eventually
sentenced to 10 years in prison. They were also
sentenced to two years of internal exile. The pastor
and his fellow defendants belong to a group called The
Church of Iran.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that the
Iranian government has targeted Pastor Nadarkhani. In
May 2016, authorities attacked 10 house churches in
the city of Rasht, during which Pastor Nadarkhani and
his wife were taken into custody. Thankfully, they were
released shortly afterwards.
Pastor Nadarkhani was also arrested for apostasy
in September 2009 and issued a death sentence. He
was held in prison until August 2012, when the uproar
from the international community pressured the Iranian
Supreme Court to revoke the sentence.
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Gunmen Storm Church in Pakistan to Settle Property Dispute
3 | PAKISTAN On July 13, a group of armed Muslim men attacked a Catholic church in the district of Faisalabad, approximately 75 miles from
Lahore. A local Christian told ICC that the group of five Muslims, all belonging to the same family, attacked the church as congregants were
gathered for worship. The attackers ambushed the church, carrying guns and kerosene, and attempted to set the church ablaze.
The incident stemmed from a dispute over church property. Thankfully, police arrived on the scene quickly to protect the churchgoers. At the
time of writing, three of the five assailants have been arrested and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
State-Sanctioned Church in Shandong Province
Demolished
4 | CHINA On July 17, more than 70 police officers and workers demolished
Liangwang Catholic Church in China’s Shandong province. The
church is a state-sanctioned church and has been legally registered since
2006. Recently, local authorities drafted an urban development plan that
involved removing the church. Despite conversations with the local religious
affairs office to find a place to relocate the church, officers arrived
on the scene without warning or documentation to raze the building.
Within a matter of 15 minutes, they demolished the church with bulldozers
and pickaxes. Three church caretakers who were on the premises at
the time had their phones confiscated and destroyed.
Football Coach Who Lost Job for Praying on Field
Petitions US Supreme Court to Hear Appeal
5 | USA In 2016, a Washington State school district decided not to
renew the contract of Joe Kennedy, a high school football coach. This
decision came about after Kennedy repeatedly prayed on the 50-yard
line after games, even after the school district requested that he cease
this practice. Although Kennedy never encouraged or required students
to join him in prayer, the superintendent insisted that the practice was
unconstitutional by suggesting that the practice would appear as a government
endorsement of religion. After years of legal back-and-forth,
Kennedy’s attorneys have now filed a petition with the United States
Supreme Court over the matter.
Foreign Christian Couple Deported from Nepal on
Conversion Charges
6 | NEPAL On July 6, De Vera Richard and Rita Gonga, a Christian husband
and wife, were officially deported from Nepal to their native countries of the
Philippines and Indonesia. The couple had been living in Nepal since November
2017 on a one-year business visa, where they operated a restaurant and were
actively involved with Every Nation Church.
Following a complaint lodged earlier in the year, the Department of
Immigration launched an investigation and discovered that the two were working
as pastors and allegedly “converting Hindus into Christians.” Proselytization
is a crime according to Article 26 of Nepal’s constitution, which can carry a sentence
of five years in prison and a fine of 50,000 Rupees. Thankfully, the couple
was not imprisoned, but they were fined, as well as deported.
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6
News
“Instead of working for the poor, the
government is targeting those working
for the poor.”
Turkish Court Moves Imprisoned Pastor
Brunson to House Arrest
1 | TURKEY In October 2016, American pastor Andrew
Brunson and his wife Norine were arrested in Turkey.
The pair had been ministering in Turkey since 1993
prior to their arrest. While Norine was released shortly
after her arrest, Pastor Brunson remained in prison
despite a lack of formal charges. His first charges were
issued 63 days into his imprisonment and additional
charges have since been added. Most notably, Pastor
Brunson faces a falsified indictment of having links
with the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ) and
the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
In July, Turkey’s Second High Penal Court in Izmir
ordered Pastor Brunson to be transferred from prison to
house arrest. The Daily Sabah, a propaganda arm of the
Turkish government, reported that Brunson was transferred
to house arrest as a result of health concerns.
They reported that jurors concluded that “his detention
could be maintained effectively through house
arrest given the circumstances.”
Pastor
Brunson’s next hearing
is scheduled for
October 12, 2018
and prosecutors are
seeking a sentence
of 30+ years of
imprisonment.
Since 2016, religious
freedom has drastically
deteriorated in
Turkey. The situation
has worsened enough
to warrant the United
States Commission
on International
Religious Freedom
ranking Turkey as a
Tier 2 Country in its
annual report. Such
countries “require
close monitoring
due to the nature and
extent of violations
of religious freedom
engaged in or tolerated
by governments.”
In light of this positive
development, it is
important to remember
that Turkey is still
engaging in a game
of hostage diplomacy.
We must continue
to pray for Pastor
Brunson as his next
hearing approaches.
Indian Catholic Leader Calls on State
to Stop Harassing Christians
2 | INDIA A leader of the Catholic Church in India
has called on India’s Prime Minister Narendra
Modi (pictured), to intervene in the harassment of
Christians in the northeastern state of Jharkhand.
Authorities in Jharkhand recently ordered a probe
into the funding of more than 80 organizations
which were exclusively Christian. They are investigating
the claim that these Christian groups are
using foreign funding for the purpose of carrying
out religious conversions.
The Catholic leader, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas,
suggested that the probes are unjust because the
government already has the organizations’ financial
information due to regulations on foreign funds. He
told UCA News, “If the government wants to be fair,
let it start probing all non-governmental organizations.
Why single out Christians?” He continued, “Instead of
working for the poor, the government is targeting those
working for the poor.”
Since the BJP, led
by Prime Minister
Modi, came to power
in 2014, India has seen
a significant surge in
anti-Christian violence
and discrimination.
If the government
seeks to curb this
violence, they must
set the example by
proactively ensuring
that they treat
Christians and other
religious minorities as
equals.
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Eritrean Government Releases 35 Christian Prisoners of Conscience
3 | ERITREA In mid-July, the Eritrean government released 35 Christian prisoners of conscience. The 35 individuals were released from Mai-Sirwa
Prison, one of the dozens of Eritrean prisons that continues to hold prisoners of conscience. While this release is cause for celebration, it is noteworthy
that none of those released were religious leaders. At the time of writing, all prisoners of conscience who are pastors remain in captivity,
some of whom have been in prison for nearly 20 years.
Coptic Christian Dies in Police Custody Under
Suspicious Circumstances
4 | EGYPT On July 20, a Coptic business owner went to the police
station to report that a Muslim man broke into his shop and threatened
his family. Later that night, the Copt’s wife received a call from
the police, saying that her husband had fainted and was being taken to
the hospital. By the time the family arrived, he had already died from
injuries consistent with acts of violence. The police have reportedly
threatened to bring charges against the family if they investigate the
cause of death.
Sudanese Church Allowed to Open Four Years
Later
5 | SUDAN In August 2014, Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security
Services (NISS) shut down the Khartoum Christian Center building,
which was owned by the Sudan Pentecostal Church. The government
stated that they closed the church because it was being used for worship
despite being located on land designated for office space. However, four
years later, the government returned the building to the church without
reason. Although not confirmed, many church leaders believe that the
decision was made due to international pressure.
Filipino Priests Receive Death Threats from Security Forces
6 | PHILIPPINES According to the leader of Iglesia Filipina Independiente
(Philippine Independent Church), security forces have carried out the unlawful
surveillance of priests and issued death threats against them. The priests have
reportedly been receiving these threatening calls and messages since last year.
The two priests who have been threatened actively speak out against the government’s
abuses of human rights. They have also criticized the government’s
mining activities. One of the priests noted, “They want to silence us because we
are amplifying the cry of the poor against social injustices.”
These threats are particularly concerning in light of several recent assassinations
of Catholic priests in the Philippines. Unfortunately, the death threats
cannot be dismissed as empty words. There have been too many cases in which
such threats have been carried out.
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7

Your Dollars a
Small Business
for Convert
Underground Pastors
Hussain is a Muslim-background believer
living in Afghanistan. Seven years ago,
he heard about Jesus for the first time
through a friend in the UAE.
At the time, Hussain had a personal problem
that needed fixing and his friend suggested
that he go to a church for help. Early
on, Hussain struggled to locate a church, but
he began watching a Christian TV broadcast,
and a Christian discipler connected with the
show began following up with him.
Hussain was able to connect with an Iranian
church in the UAE which helped him with
his personal problem. In this church, Hussain
learned about Christ’s love and forgiveness
and, after two years, he accepted Christ into
his heart when he was confronted by Christ
in a dream.
Hussain shared his new faith with his wife,
but she took their three children and left
home. Hussain not only had to grapple with
the fear of losing his family forever, he also
dealt with fear for his life.
His church surrounded him and prayed for
him, consoling him in his grief. After five
months, his wife agreed to return home. She
saw changes in Hussain’s life, but she continued
to resist the Gospel.
Eventually, the relentless care for her family
by Hussain’s church piqued her curiosity.
She was interested in the community.
Two months ago, Hussain’s wife became a
believer and now the whole family is serving
the Lord.
In 2015, Hussain returned to Afghanistan,
where he joined an underground church.
Currently, Hussain is the leader of a small
house church where 18 other converts
worship regularly. As the leader of an
underground church, his mere existence in
Afghanistan is dangerous since he would
likely be killed if he was discovered, as
the Afghani community is very intolerant
of Christianity.
Your donations enabled ICC to help
Hussain start a small business in order to
earn a better income and support his small
house church. The business buys and sells
assets that he cleans up and improves.
This business provides for his family of
five, giving them the freedom and flexibility
to earn a living while they serve
in ministry.
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t Work
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Well in Qaraqosh, Iraq
Community Rebuild
In 2014, ISIS invaded Qaraqosh and displaced most of the city’s Christian population. For the last several
years, Christians have been scattered all over Iraq and nearby countries. Now that Qaraqosh has
been liberated from ISIS, some families are looking to return.
Unfortunately, there is little for them to return to. ISIS destroyed countless homes, businesses, and
other types of infrastructure. In order to rebuild Qaraqosh, these families must have access to resources
like clean water so that they can clean, wash, and drink safely.
Qaraqosh has some water that is sourced from Mosul; however, it is dirty and inconsistent. Whenever
there is a lack of water in Mosul, officials will cut Qaraqosh’s water supply first. Independent wells are
critical sources of clean and stable water flow for returning families.
Your dollars helped ICC provide a fifth well for the people of Qaraqosh. This well was dug at a school
hosting more than 500 students. Over 30 families living nearby will also benefit from the well. While we
cannot erase the memories that ISIS left these families with, we pray that this well will help make the
transition back to Qaraqosh slightly easier.
MMB Livelihood Support
Suffering Wives and Children
In Cairo, one neighborhood has become a safe haven for Muslim-background believers who fled their
homes because of persecution. All of these believers faced intense persecution because of their conversion
from Islam. Their lives are at risk if they return home or if their location is discovered. Many are
living in desperate circumstances, in small rooms without furniture, and most work for very low wages.
ICC identified multiple individuals who needed special attention under these circumstances:
• Asim’s family abused her and locked her out of the house when they learned of her conversion. They
also shaved her hair and eyebrows, and burned 12 marks on her body. She escaped and landed in the
neighborhood. The only furniture in her house was a mattress.
• Muhammad was once an engineer who provided for his family’s needs by working in the Gulf.
His family asked him to return home to slaughter his brother, who had become a Christian.
He tried to raise the knife to slaughter him, but the brother called on Jesus and Muhammad’s
hand immediately stiffened. Jesus appeared to him, and Muhammad learned about Christ
through his brother. Now, he works as a plumber and lives in a basement without any furniture.
Your generosity enabled us to provide these individuals and others with basic furniture to improve
their living conditions.
Ancha Pastor’s Motorcycle
Suffering Wives and Children
Into the early hours of Friday, September 8, 2017, Fulani militants invaded the Christian village
of Ancha in Miango District of Plateau State, Nigeria. They brutally killed 20 and injured five
others. Nineteen of the murdered victims were members of Salama Baptist Church, while one
belonged to a local Methodist church. One family was completely wiped out with no succeeding
generations left.
The church and pastor were traumatized and needed spiritual, emotional, and physical encouragement.
Making matters more difficult, the community is situated in a rural part of Miango District
where there is no access to social amenities, particularly healthcare. Transportation is also quite
challenging for the pastor as he seeks to provide adequate pastoral care for his congregation.
Your dollars enabled us to purchase a motorcycle for the Salama Baptist Church in Ancha to assist
the pastor in providing more wide-ranging pastoral care and evangelism, and provide rescue assistance
whenever the need arises. This purchase also provided the church with encouragement and the
assurance that their brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are supporting them.
9

Your Dollars a
Business
Assistance in Iraq
Suffering Wives and Children
Prior to the invasion of ISIS, Raid used to
own a market in Qaraqosh, Iraq. When
he and his family fled, they lost everything.
Raid shared, “My wife gave birth on the
4th day of displacement. I didn’t have [a]
place, neither money to buy clothes for
our baby, nor milk and diapers. That was
the worst feeling someone can ever feel.
Although I used to sell milk and diapers for
many years, I couldn’t maintain its availability
for my child because of the evil.”
Your dollars enabled ICC to help Raid
reopen his market. We purchased many
items, including a refrigerator and a meat
grinder, to help him start this process.
“I feel like ‘Thank you ICC’ printed on
paper is not enough to show my appreciation,”
Raid said.
When ICC visited the shop on opening
day, it was full of customers.
Indonesia Sewing Machines
Underground Pastors
Acluster of families in Indonesia had been
discipling others within their community
for two years before local mosque leaders grew
suspicious and visited their homes. One leader
questioned why the families never visited the
mosque. In spite of the growing suspicions,
ICC sought to support this fruitful ministry.
It is often difficult for leaders of underground
ministries to maintain a steady
source of income due to the amount of time
and attention they pour into their unpaid
ministry roles. Your generosity enabled ICC
to serve these families by helping the wives
develop small sewing businesses. Most have
three or four children, and they would like
to financially support their families. ICC
helped train these housewives in the art of
sewing, so that they could develop a sustain-
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t Work
Bible Distribution in Bangladesh
Bibles for the Persecuted
Due to poverty within Bangladesh’s rural
Christian community, Bibles are difficult
for many to obtain, including among
Christian leaders seeking to share the Gospel
in other communities. Recently, your donations
enabled ICC to provide 50 new Bibles
to believers who want to evangelize to others
and learn more about Christianity themselves.
Tapu, a young Christian girl, is excited that
she will now be able to study the Word of God
and learn more about prayer.
Please continue to lift up this community
in prayer as they seek a church building and
pastor to provide more fellowship and teaching.
Please also pray for a primary school in
the remote village, and for essential items like
warm clothes for the winter.
able business that also allows for outreach
opportunities.
This business will provide them with the
financial freedom to preach the Gospel without
worrying about how they will provide for
their families. This sewing project will also
allow these women to connect with other
mothers in their neighborhood who do not yet
know Christ.
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Business Assistance in Kenya
Suffering Wives and Children
On February 16, al-Shabaab militants
attacked a school in Wajir County, located
in northeastern Kenya. Seth Odada and
his wife Caroline were among those who
were killed in the attack. Unfortunately,
since Seth was his family’s breadwinner, his
close relatives were left without a source of
income on top of the weight of grief.
ICC stepped in to provide Seth’s mother
Margaret with a small grocery shop, so
that she can earn a sustainable wage.
Margaret shared, “This act of concern is
very unique and we cannot believe that
within a short time after visiting us you
have come again to help us open a shop.
We feel loved by ICC.”
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Volunteers
Advocating for
Persecuted Christians
in Nigeria
Raising Prayer
Support for the
Persecuted
One of the most essential, yet often overlooked,
facets of ICC’s ministry is advocacy.
ICC’s advocacy department strives to
be a voice for persecuted communities around
the world through their influence in various
government bodies. As such, ICC has a volunteer
team specifically dedicated to supporting
these efforts. One of the primary responsibilities
of advocacy volunteers involves sharing
ICC’s petitions.
This past summer, ICC launched a petition
on behalf of persecuted Christian farmers in
Nigeria. Over the last 20 years, it is estimated
that victims of attacks led by Boko Haram and
Fulani militants number as high as 50,000 to
60,000. Unfortunately, the lack of action by the
Nigerian government continues to embolden
Fulani militants in their violent actions. This
petition called on the Nigerian government to
take action to bring Fulani militants to justice
and protect the vulnerable Christian community
in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
Volunteers all over the world sprang into
action to raise awareness about persecution
in Nigeria and share the petition in their communities.
Volunteers found creative ways to
draw attention to ICC’s petitions in a variety
of ways. Some shared the petition online,
whether through social media or among family
and friends via email. Others opted to
share the petition in a face-to-face manner,
such as speaking about the petition in church,
sharing it in their small groups, or simply raising
awareness among their neighbors.
Due, in part, to the global reach of ICC’s
volunteers, this petition garnered signatures
from nearly 90 countries, across six continents.
The international reach of these petitions
is very beneficial in ICC’s advocacy work,
because it supports the fact that religious freedom
is not a regional or partisan issue.
“Whatever you did
for one of the least
of these brothers of
mine, you did for Me.”
– MATTHEW 25:40 (NIV)
A
s we serve the persecuted, our efforts
would be fruitless apart from the
grace of God. Therefore, we are constantly
calling on our network of supporters to
pray, both for the persecuted and for this
ministry. It is humbling to work with a
team of believers specifically committed
to this purpose.
In July, we sought to expand this circle
of prayer even wider, by challenging
ICC’s volunteers to share prayer requests
for the persecuted with 10 different people
in their community. The goal of this
challenge was to increase the amount of
prayer support for persecuted Christians
around the world and raise awareness
about various religious freedom issues.
While some chose to pray individually,
others prayed along with their families,
friends, or churches.
ICC’s volunteers have faithfully stood
in the gap, bridging the distance between
persecuted Christians and the Western
Church through prayer. Thank you to all
who have joined hands with us in praying
for those who are suffering for their faith.
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Looking for a Way to Make a Difference in the World? Join Our Team of Volunteers!
For those desiring to assist the persecuted Church, many are not sure how to get involved. Volunteers all over the world are making a difference
within their own backyards as members of ICC’s five different volunteer teams: Advocacy, Awareness, Office, Prayer, and Special Projects. ICC
volunteers play a crucial role in supporting and serving the persecuted Church. They stand up for the persecuted in countless different ways and
bridge the gap between the persecuted and free Church. It only takes one person to make a difference – are you willing?
To effectively lead an international ministry, there is a lot of
work that takes place behind the scenes. One team of dedicated
volunteers visits ICC’s headquarters on a regular basis to assist
with various administrative tasks. From assisting with mailings
to translating materials to organizing resources around the
office, these volunteers regularly offer their time and skills to
alleviate the weight on the shoulders of ICC’s administrative
team. Without their help, ICC would not accomplish nearly as
many projects that bring relief to the persecuted.
In the modern world, one of the most effective tools for raising awareness
about a particular issue is social media. Due to the accessibility
of reaching larger audiences, often scattered around the world, social
media is a great method for informing others about persecution. Many
volunteers utilize Facebook and Twitter to share about religious freedom
issues among their social circles, often sharing articles about persecution.
Others raise awareness online by writing blogs. In today’s digital
age, it is important to use the technology that is available to inform society
about persecution and to increase support for the suffering Church.
Volunteer Teams
1 Advocacy Fight for justice for the persecuted through petitions,
congressional calls, and more.
2 Awareness Raise your voice by speaking in churches, writing, and posting
on social media.
3 Office Lighten the load of our staff by helping with administrative
assignments.
4 Prayer Intercede for our brothers and sisters in Christ, both individually
and as a church.
5 Special Projects Volunteer on your own schedule through one-time projects.
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Are You Interested
in Serving?
Apply online at:
http://www.persecution.org/take-action/
volunteer/
Email:
volunteer@persecution.org
Call:
(301) 585-5915 for more information
13

Iran:
Government Control
Slipping as the People
Thirst for Freedom
This year, Iran has faced historic levels of protests as
citizens demand increased freedoms.
By Claire Evans
This year, a hopeful thirst for
freedom has defined Iran.
Protests, which started in late
December of 2017, continued
throughout the spring and summer,
spreading to every corner
of the country. This large outpouring
of unrest is historic,
with far-reaching implications.
For almost 40 years, Iran has
been governed by the religious elite who have ruled
the country with an iron fist. They have built a wall
defining their citizens’ religious identity as Islamic,
with serious consequences for breaching their code
of conduct. They have entrenched the country within
the grave socioeconomic consequences of poor governance
decisions.
The Iranian people are weary of the regime’s protectionism,
and are eager to tear down the barricades
that define every aspect of their life. Their search
for political liberation includes a desire for spiritual
freedom, which has led to a number of opportunities
for the Church to grow, even as religious persecution
intensifies.
“The youth have rejected the spiritual and moral
authority in Iran. They see no future for themselves,
so they want to experience all the freedom
that they can,” explained Tat, who leads a ministry
for Iranian Christians.
Often, because normal expressions of personality
and opinion are heavily censored, Iranians are
forced to explore them in secrecy. This opens the
door to darker pursuits. Depression and addiction to
drugs and alcohol are all too common. These vices
have created a culture of harshness reinforced by a
brutal regime.
This year’s protests should not be interpreted simply
in socioeconomic terms. It is not just a cry for
political freedom, but also a cry for spiritual freedom.
Many Christian ministries have taken this opportu-
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Below: “God is love” graffiti boldly spreads the message of
the cross throughout Iran.
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15
15

Feature Article
Above: Historical protests have gripped Iran as citizens call for regime change.
nity to pray, preach, and push for a brighter
future for the Church in Iran.
The fall of the theocracy in Iran, as an outcome
of the protests, is the silver lining of
the dark cloud that hangs over the country.
“Much is happening in Iran today politically,
socially, and spiritually. I believe that
we will see a major change in Iran soon, and
it will be in weeks, months, but not years,”
wrote Dr. Hormoz Shariat of Iran Alive
Ministries.
Although the political change may seem
slow, spiritual change is happening quickly.
“If you’re a Muslim in Iran, there is a good
chance you either don’t want to be a Muslim
anymore or you think that this is not true
Islam,” explained Tat.
“Because so many Iranians have become
Christian, most people know someone who
is a Christian,” he added. “They hear through
the grapevine that uncle so-and-so became a
Christian. Or they are just curious. It’s hard
to get a Bible, however. I would say that it
is much easier to find out about Christianity
now than it was before because there are
enough Christians.”
Pastor Rasoul Heydari, who leads a Persian
ministry called Everlasting Hope, wants
Christianity to grow even more visible inside
Iran. He has initiated an outreach campaign
with a unique twist. He is encouraging believers
to write the phrase “God is love” on the
walls of the city as a sign of protest against the
lack of religious freedom for Christians.
This campaign stands out, as many Iranians
are not ignorant of the persecution that
Christians face at the hands of the regime. The
government attempts to maintain a delicate
“We encourage them
to make the true God
known to the people
around them. We’re
commissioned to give
the good news of
salvation to all.”
– Pastor Rasoul Heydari
balance of raising enough awareness about the
illegality of Christian activities, without actually
encouraging Church growth.
The graffiti is a reminder to Iranians why
they are protesting: to end the regime’s oppression.
Pastor Rasoul explained to Mohabat
News, “This is a fight against oppression, in
the sense that it promotes knowledge of the
true God. I wouldn’t call it civil disobedience,
as we’re not calling on people to disobey any
rule.”
“Rather,” he continued, “we encourage
them to make the true God known to the
people around them. We’re commissioned
to give the good news of salvation to all.
Many Iranian youths are turning from God
because they don’t have an understanding of
the true God.”
His graffiti campaign, while a simple
message, helps chip away at the walls preventing
Gospel outreach in Iran. After all,
Iranians often speak about how the culture
lacks a concept of love and openness. The
possibility of these values existing in reality
is a foreign concept to many Iranians, and a
message that many are eager to hear.
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One underground believer shared about
her recent conversion, “I felt a love from
God that I never felt before and a joy I never
experienced before. I started to cry for hours
after two years and the frog that was in my
throat burst because of the love of Christ that I
received and it was like a bomb went off inside
of me… I became madly in love with Jesus
and I felt His love for me and he never abused
me or hurt me ever.”
It was because of someone courageously
sharing the Gospel that this believer, and
countless others, have encountered the
transformative love of Christ. Whether it
is through the boldness of graffiti or direct
conversation, the unrest in Iran undoubtedly
presents a unique opportunity for
Iranians to encounter Christianity more
directly. As more Iranians convert, the
regime, however, shifts its focus toward
building more walls to maintain control of
its citizens.
Dr. Shariat explained, “As Christianity is
growing fast in Iran, the top religious leaders
are alarmed. They then put pressure on the
Revolutionary Guard’s security police as,
‘What are you doing to stop Christians?’…
“Much is happening
in Iran today
politically, socially,
and spiritually. I
believe that we will
see a major change in
Iran soon, and it will
be in weeks, months,
but not years.”
– Dr. Hormoz Shariat of Iran Alive Ministries
The strategy of the government is not a
widespread arrest and execution. Their strategy
is to arrest a few, but publicize their
arrest to put fear in the hearts of 1-3 million
Christians and make them isolated, fearful,
and prisoners in their homes.”
“In the wake of [the] worsening sociopolitical
[and] economic situation in Iran, we
see an increased level of persecution against
Christians in the country,” added Lazarus
Yeghnazar of 222 Ministries. “As history
has shown, like any despotic regime at the
last hours of their brutal control, I expect
that the clerics in Iran (which virtually are
the government!) will become more bitter,
mindless, and unpredictable.”
“Sadly, most are deeply corrupt by all
counts and simply punish the ‘house church’
and its leaders because they are angry that
Christianity is stealing away from their
blind adherents, hence endangering their
existence. We, the free Christians in the
West, need to stand in the gap in united
prayer,” he continued.
Months of unrest clearly show that Iran’s
political powers are transforming; yet,
the greatest transformation is happening
within the souls of Iranians. Whether it is
through graffiti or other means of outreach,
Christianity is spreading throughout Iran.
The country’s Islamic regime has lost control
over the mechanics of governance as well as
its grasp over directing people’s souls. Iran
is at a historical crossroad, and many dare
to hope that Iran will walk down the path of
religious and political freedom.
Below: Iran’s Islamic regime is scrambling to protect itself from protestors demanding freedom from its harsh rule.
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17
17

Healing the Helpless in Ru
An attack on a rural pastor in Nepal
left him injured and financially
destitute. See how ICC provides for
those who feel abandoned.
By William Stark
Pastor Yubak has endured
many difficulties in his
life. This fact was evident
as I looked into his
tired eyes while traveling
in rural Nepal earlier this
year. Serving as a pastor
in Nepal’s rural Sinduli
District has not been easy,
but the difficulties started long before Yubak’s
ministry began.
“My mother died when I was only four,”
Yubak said as he began to share his testimony.
“After that, my father abandoned me and I
lived as an orphan until I was eight. That was
when I first heard the Gospel.”
While on the street, Yubak received a booklet
entitled “Men’s Heart.” It was a Gospel
tract. When he read it, he was immediately
drawn to the Scriptures that explained that
Jesus would never abandon those who followed
him.
“This had a huge effect on me,” Yubak
explained. “This is what initially attracted
me to Christ.”
After hearing the Gospel for the first time,
Yubak was taken in by his uncle, the only
Christian in his extended family. Yubak
revealed his growing beliefs and his uncle
gave him a Bible. Eventually, his faith in
Jesus led Yubak to study at a Bible college
in Kathmandu.
After completing Bible college, Yubak
received a vision about starting a ministry
back in Sinduli. Following this vision, Yubak
returned to Sinduli and established a success-
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al Nepal
Far Left: Pastor Yubak holds a container
with pieces of bone removed from his nose as
a result of the attack.
Top Right: Sunrise over rural Nepal during
the 12-hour trip from Kathmandu to Pastor
Yubak’s village.
Bottom Right: In rural Nepal, dried
riverbeds become roads on the journey to meet
Pastor Yubak.
ful ministry among his native villages.
“I established a church here in this village,”
Yubak shared. “I have also been able to
establish four other daughter churches. Now,
I have been selected as the chairman of local
churches in the Sinduli District.”
The success of Yubak’s ministry did not go
unnoticed by radicals in Sinduli. In April 2017,
radical Hindus attacked Yubak and another
pastor as they travelled between villages.
“We were returning from Sinduli town
after a church meeting at around 9:30
p.m.,” Yubak recalled. “We had to cross
the Mareen River and waited by the river’s
edge before crossing.”
“Pastor Om and I noticed a motorbike
with three young people following us,”
Yubak continued. “When they caught up to
us, they pulled in front of my motorbike and
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turned it off. One of them said, ‘We know
you.’ I responded, ‘I have never seen you.
Who are you?’”
Then, the other two strangers attacked
Yubak from either side. The assailants forced
Yubak’s motorbike helmet off and continued
beating him.
“I tried to put my helmet back on, but they
threw it away,” Yubak said. “Then one of
them grabbed a stone and hit me in the head. I
fell to the ground and the other two continued
to beat me on the head and neck. Before I
lost consciousness, I remember them saying,
‘Your Jesus will save you!’ to mock me.”
Since Yubak was the focus of the assault,
Pastor Om was able to escape into the nearby
forest. After hiding in the forest for five hours,
Pastor Om mustered enough courage to return
to the scene of the attack. There, he found
Yubak unconscious on the ground in a pool of
his own blood.
Because the motorbike was damaged, Pastor
Om carried Yubak for more than an hour
to Sunduli town. When it became clear that
the medical facilities in Sunduli town were
incapable of properly treating Yubak, he was
transferred to a trauma hospital in Kathmandu.
In Kathmandu, Yubak underwent surgery
to reconstruct his broken nose and received
treatment for a blood clot that formed under
his skull. While these emergency measures
helped, Yubak still struggled to obtain the full
medical treatment that he needed.
“Different people gave me small amounts
of money to cover the treatment,” Yubak said.
“In the end, I needed to take out a personal
loan to cover all the treatment. It cost over
$3,000 USD.”
During my visit, Pastor Yubak, who had
nearly completed his recovery and just
restarted his ministry, still looked extremely
stressed due to his financial situation. The
compensation a rural pastor expects is barely
enough to cover daily expenses. When we
met, I could see that he was trying to work
out how he would pay the debt he incurred to
cover his treatment.
As I concluded the interview with Yubak,
I asked if he had copies of his medical bills
and documents regarding the loan. When he
brought me a shopping bag full of receipts,
I leafed through them, added up the total,
and provided Yubak the funds he needed to
repay his debt.
Yubak was stunned and wide-eyed as he
received the money. Soon after, I prayed with
Yubak, hopped back in the 4x4, and began the
12-hour drive back to Kathmandu.
When I finally arrived in Kathmandu,
after hours of hairpin turns on the rural,
mountainous roads of Nepal, I received
a phone call from Yubak. He was crying.
Seemingly still in shock, he said, “I don’t
even know what to think. You never knew
me, but you came, heard my testimony, and
provided for my needs.”
Recalling our earlier conversation, I
reminded Yubak that Jesus never abandons
those who follow him.
19

Hero
Hill
Congressman Dennis Ross leads a bipartisan congressional
o n
the
letter to Prime Minister Modi calling attention to the
persecution of Christians and other religious minorities.
By Matias Perttula
Congressman Dennis Ross represents
the 15th congressional district
of Florida and has served the
people of his district since 2011.
He has led a long and distinguished
career in public service,
working on behalf of a diverse
community in Florida. Recently,
Congressman Ross worked on
behalf of persecuted Christians in
India by leading a bipartisan congressional letter calling
on Prime Minister Modi to take action to end the
persecution of Christians and other religious minorities
perpetrated by radical Hindu nationalists.
In recent years, persecution has risen to historic
heights in India and continues to increase in intensity.
Congressman Ross took action by mobilizing his colleagues
in Congress to bring this matter directly to Prime
Minister Modi. Congressman Ross has become a true
champion of religious freedom and we applaud his efforts
on behalf of the persecuted Church. ICC’s president, Jeff
King, interviewed Congressman Ross on July 25.
Jeff King: Religious freedom is important to you.
Tell us why.
Congressman Ross: First of all, as a Christian, we have to
believe that individuals have value and worth that is given
to you by God. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re an
American, an Indian, or whomever; preserving this gift is
one of our utmost responsibilities as Christians. And being
an American Christian, where we recognize the sanctity of
all our God-given rights, we have the obligation to further
the allowance of those rights across the world. Religious
rights and all human rights are a part of what we as
Christians believe are fundamental to human dignity.
We have been given a lot and, because of that, we
have an obligation to speak up and act. When I see countries
that rely on the United States for defense [or their
economic vitality], but see them engage in violations
of religious rights, I have an obligation to put a stop to
that. [We] leverage our relationship and [require them] to
[stop] their persecution, their violations of human rights,
and their demeaning of human dignity.”
Jeff King: As a Christian serving in Congress, are you
encouraged by the commitment of Congress to international
religious freedom?
Congressman Ross: Absolutely. I will tell you that is
the one issue that transcends party. I think it’s also the
one issue that we, as members of Congress, can rest
on our history and say, this is something we’ve always
believed, this is who we’ve always been, and this is
what [will be our future].
Look at the period just after the Civil War when Lincoln
delivered his proclamation calling for a national day of
prayer; the proclamation was overwhelming. He recognized
that [our country] failed to look to God for guidance,
and that God brought America [to such a low point] that
it was time to engage in a national day of prayer. That
has been a strong thread throughout our government that
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Above: Congressman Ross in his office during the interview with Jeff King.
we’ve somewhat covered up over the last
couple of years because it hasn’t been cool to
be Christian.
Jeff King: Can you share a little more
about what Congress can do to help the
persecuted in India?
Congressman Ross: Well, we have to hold
their feet to the fire. When Modi was here in
2016, he emphasized their relationship with
the United States and his desire to be a strong
partner, but if that is going to happen, they
have to deal with religious persecution.
We absolutely expect to get a response
to our correspondence with some concrete
evidence that they’re taking steps to curtail
religious persecution. We’re asking
President Trump, who has met with Modi,
to make sure that there is some sense of
accountability on their part, showing concrete
steps that they are not going to stand
for religious intolerance.
Jeff King: Tell us about how, over the
course of your career, you have seen religious
freedom develop as an issue on
Capitol Hill.
Congressman Ross: I was raised Catholic, married
a Baptist, and then became a Presbyterian.
We weren’t exposed to religious persecution.
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In my time, it was always the Catholics versus
the Protestants in Northern Ireland. It’s not
until you hear the stories of those who escaped
persecution does it [make you wake up and see]
this is real, this is happening.
Having traveled on some CODELS
(Congressional Delegations) and spoken to
persecution victims and survivors, we realize
[a deeper] reason why we serve in Congress.
Yes, we need to make sure people get their
Medicare, Social Security, and veteran’s benefits,
but when you look at the issue of persecution
on a global scale and the impact you can
have in that regard, it gives you a sense of fulfilment
that validates the reason why you are here.
I think you’ll find that more members of
Congress, once they’re exposed, will be more
motivated to make a difference. It goes back
to how we, as a government, can do more on
this issue. One way is by imposing standards
by which we are going to measure countries in
doing business.
Jeff King: You mentioned that you were
not exposed to the issues of persecution
as a child, and that is completely normal
in America. Most of the Church is asleep
on the subject. I would like to ask you to
speak to the Church about this; what would
you say?
Congressman Ross: There is no greater obligation
on this earth than to preserve the sanctity
of life at every level, whether in the womb,
on the earth, in America, or anywhere.
I think that is one of the foremost reasons
that we as Christians have the obligation to go
forward and do all we can to stop persecution.
Remember, we will have to give [an] account
of what we did with the opportunity that was
given to us.
That’s why I say when we, as congressmen,
are confronted with situations where we see
injustice and persecution, we understand that
there is something we can do about it. Taking
action is not only fulfilling, but an obligation
for us as Christians.
So each of us at every level has that obligation
to preserve and promote the sanctity
of life. [This obligation] means vehemently
opposing the persecution [of] anyone, regardless
of their religious belief, even if that belief
is contrary to our own.
Congressman Ross is retiring from public service
at the end of this term and will pursue
opportunities to equip young people to become
effective leaders. International Christian
Concern applauds Congressman Ross and his
staff for their dedication to fighting for religious
freedom in India and around the world.
21

“We as Christians have
the obligation to go
forward and do all we
can to stop persecution.
Remember, we will
have to give [an]
account of what we did
with the opportunity
that was given to us.”
– CONGRESSMAN DENNIS ROSS
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The State Department
Invites ICC to Participate
in Its First Ministerial to
Advance Religious Freedom
Above: As part of the Ministerial, ICC hosted a roundtable on Nigeria which discussed
the multiple layers of issues and proposed real solutions to end violence.
In July, International Christian Concern
participated in the first ever Ministerial
to Advance Religious Freedom hosted by
the United States Department of State.
The event clearly placed international
religious freedom as a core component of
the United States foreign policy platform.
As part of the 3-day ministerial, ICC
hosted a roundtable focused on the persecution
facing Nigeria’s Christians in
the Middle Belt region. Led by ICC’s
Advocacy Director, Matias Perttula,
the roundtable hosted diplomats, policy
experts, and NGO leaders. Through the
discussion, ICC successfully argued the
significance of radical Islam in the conflict
(a reality often overlooked by policy
officials) and the need to view the crisis
from the prism of religious persecution.
ICC was the only organization to host an
event focused on Nigeria and highlighted
the need for the United States and the international
community to apply political pressure
on Nigeria’s Buhari administration.
Throughout the roundtable discussion,
ICC continually stressed the role
of radical Islam in the conflict and the
increasing existential danger the crisis
poses to Nigeria and the rest of the West
African region.
The possible geopolitical repercussions
of the conflict cannot be overstressed. If
Fulani violence is not controlled, the
situation has the real potential to escalate
into a massive civil war and possible
genocide. Most Nigerian Christians
would already call it a genocide.
Change will not take place unless the
international community demands an end
to the increasing violence perpetrated by
Fulani militants. The Buhari administration
must begin to feel the political pressure
of the international community.
ICC continues to work on several
fronts to increase that pressure.
Recently, ICC worked with a congressional
human rights commission to
author a letter to President Buhari. ICC
also drafted legislation that is currently
making the rounds of Congress, asking
the Trump administration to appoint a
special envoy to the region.
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HOPE
GROWS
DESPITE ONGOING VIOLENCE
Two hundred and thirty Christians were
killed in June 2017 over a three-day period.
ICC is seeking to help these families rebuild
through communal farms.
By Nathan Johnson
In late June 2018, Fulani militants
raided and killed more than 230
people in Plateau State, Nigeria.
Less than one week later, I was
walking the same ground where
my brothers and sisters in Christ
lost their lives.
As our team drove through the
villages of Barkin Ladi, the local
government area that suffered the
majority of the casualties, I witnessed the
pure devastation that this attack had placed
upon the community. We drove passed countless
houses that had been burned down or
demolished. We saw churches that had been
destroyed, leaving no central location for the
community to hold the many funerals that the
attack required. Many farms had clearly been
ravaged by animals and trampled by moving
cattle. Many of the smaller communities outside
of the main town were abandoned.
We visited with local pastors and some
of the displaced families that were taking
refuge in the last standing church compound
in town. What struck me the most was the
lack of extreme emotion over the situation
that had just taken place. When I met with
those who had lost family members, they
spoke as if it was just another normal day. In
less than a week, the tears had dried and the
community had returned to life as normal,
or at least as normal as life can be after such
Above: Pastor Jacob Machif lost his wife and home in the horrific
Fulani attack in June.
Below: Fulani-owned herds graze around the remains of one of the
villages attacked by the armed militants.
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“I was away from home when the attack took place,
but my wife was home. They killed her and burned my
house down.”
– PASTOR JACOB
Thank you
Thank you so much for your continued
dedication, support, and care
for our suffering brothers and sisters
in Nigeria. Without your faithfulness,
we would not have been able
to reach 90% of our goal for all 10
farms in only four months. This is
an incredible feat and you have exceeded
all of our hopes and allowed
us to dream even bigger.
We are in the final push of funding
and we would like to raise funds
for new seed and fertilizer for the
existing farms for next year. We can
only do this with your help.
These farms are incredibly efficient.
We help the victims of Fulani
militant attacks, who have lost their
loved ones, farms, and homes, get
back on their feet. That’s what these
farms do. They bring families back
from the brink of despair and help
rebuild destroyed communities.
$5
Provide seeds/stems for 1/5 acre
$35
Give one person a job, security,
and food for a year
$100
Buy four 50kg bags of fertilizer
$125
Provide a water pump for the
farm
traumatic events.
This atmosphere of normalcy stood in
stark contrast against the fact that the town
and surrounding areas were still heavily
occupied by Fulani herders. Though not all
of the herders were among the groups that
conducted the attacks, it still surprised me
to see so many of them in an area that had
recently been the site of major tensions.
I felt nervous driving into areas where so
many had been killed and where tensions
were still high. It is widely known that
Fulani militants had conducted the attack,
Below: Some of the children in the surrounding area of the Fulani attack.
yet many Fulani herders still occupied the
area and allowed their livestock to graze as
if nothing happened.
Pastor Jacob
One of the men I met, a pastor named
Jacob Machif, had just lost his wife and
home in the attack. He said, “I was away
from home when the attack took place, but
my wife was home. They killed her and
burned my house down.” Jacob was one of
the pastors living at the church compound
when we visited. He travelled with us to
Giving Options
Check: Use the enclosed envelope.
Write “Nigeria Crisis” in
the memo line.
Phone: Call ICC at
800-422-5441
Online: Visit persecution.org/
nigeria-crisis
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25

Above: A team inspects the seedlings on ICC’s first communal farm. These farms are massive!
one of the farms that ICC developed in the
region. He wanted to express his gratitude
for helping those who lost their loved ones
during these attacks.
ICC’s Communal Farms
This was the largest attack in Nigeria
by Fulani militants in the past decade.
Thousands of people were displaced from
their homes. Families are now trying to survive
without their breadwinners or the land
they normally farm. These are the families,
like Jacob’s, that ICC is partnering with to
help rebuild. These are the families that you
are helping through donations to the Nigeria
communal farms project.
At the time of writing, ICC has finished
developing the first two farms. These farms
were just the beginning and have helped us
determine how to most effectively assist
these suffering families. We are now preparing
to develop the next eight farms. To all of
you who have already given to ICC’s communal
farms project, we say a huge thank
you! In only four months, you allowed
us to meet 90% of our goal of funding all
10 farms! But we are not done. Any additional
funds will be used to increase these
farms’ productivity and help the families
that are part of the project. You can still
get involved, or become more involved, by
giving today!
The first two farms alone have helped nearly
1,000 people return from the brink of devastation
that they were pushed to after the attacks.
The farms are currently in the hands of those
who are best equipped to handle them: the
farmers. They have been working and caring
for their crops for several months now and are
nearing the season of harvest. This will allow
them to make money by selling the crops they
have harvested, but will also ensure that they
have food for their families.
Please continue to pray for the safety and
security of these farms and the surrounding
communities. Pray for the pastors of
these towns who must bury many of their
church members, while preaching forgiveness.
And finally, please pray for a change
of the hearts and minds of those who are
committing these atrocities. Pray that they
would see the life that is springing up from
the pain that they have caused, and that it
would lead them to repent.
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Jeff King’s latest, life-changing book, “The Last Words of the Martyrs,” is available for pre-order today.
The Last Words of
the Martyrs
Life-Changing Stories from Persecuted Believers
Who Paid the Ultimate Price
Foreword by Francis Chan
“
I suspect that in your life, you are continually
trying to follow the footsteps of your master
as you climb a path that winds its way up
the mountain of your spiritual journey. You
probably find those footsteps are often hidden
by ever-present clouds.
The whisper of the martyrs blew away this
cloud and showed me the final destination at
the top of the mountain and I want you to hear
what I’ve heard.
The journey I will take you on will be very hard,
especially if you have a sensitive heart. But, I
urge you not to turn away from the martyrs.
You will find as I have, that while their stories
deal with death and suffering, their hidden
message is all about
”
life - the real life that you
desperately thirst for. The life that the Lord
longs to bring to you.
- Jeff King
“The martyr’s message is of great
importance and I urge you to listen
carefully to their voice that Jeff has
captured so well. It is with great pleasure
that I recommend ‘The Last Words of
the Martyrs’ to you. The lesson that the
martyrs are ‘whispering’ to the Western
Church is life-changing.”
- Pat Robertson, The 700 Club
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Summertime in one of Nepal’s many
rural valleys. Christians and pastors
like Yubak (pg. 18), especially in the
rural areas, are facing an increase
in religious persecution. Keep our
brothers and sisters in prayer.
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