Human Rights Defender in Sudan without Home, Country after Muslim Extremist Attack
Geneina, capital of West Darfur state, Sudan. (Wikipedia)
Convert from Islam flees Darfur after trying to exercise right to free speech.
(Morning Star News) – A Sudanese father of two who once worked as a human rights defender now lives in a refugee camp after surviving an attempt on his life by Islamic extremists.
Before Ibrahim Ismaeil Ibrahim, 34, left Islam and dared to criticize the religion, he worked as a writer and human rights defender in Darfur Region’s state of West Darfur for the Sudan Contemporary Center for Studies and Development. As he chronicled human rights violations by Islamic extremists, he became disillusioned with the religion and put his faith in Jesus Christ, he said.
“I defected from Islam and started writing articles through my [pseudonymous] page on Facebook, in which I described Islam as a religion of terror and killing,” he said. “Then some people discovered my identity and sent me messages of intimidation on my phone that they were looking for my head. Suddenly, I was attacked.”
At his home in the West Darfur capital of Geneina in January 2013, Ibrahim, his wife and two young children were unhurt in the late-night attack by what he believes was one of the Islamic extremists threatening him.
“An unknown Islamic extremist broke into my house at midnight and opened fire on my room,” Ibrahim told Morning Star News. “I managed to flee Geneina.”
His employer contacted Front Line Defenders, an organization dedicated to assisting human rights defenders, especially those in danger; the group provided him funds for an airline ticket to Cairo, Egypt from Khartoum and accommodation for three months, he said.
From Cairo he moved to Kampala, Uganda, and eventually he went to South Sudan. There he learned from his family in Geneina that the threat to their lives was growing stronger, and he made arrangements for them to flee to Chad.
Ibrahim also learned that, with help from the government of Sudan, he was being monitored by Muslim extremists connected to those who had planned to assassinate him. He had left his ID card when he fled Geneina, and the assailants had provided it to a Sudanese government security agent, he said.
He rejoined his wife, 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter in Chad. Eventually the reunited family traveled to another country in Africa, undisclosed for security reasons, where they live as refugees at a U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees camp.
“Ibrahim, a brave young father, and his family have been through a hard time and suffering as they become refugees away from home because of persecution by the Muslim government of Khartoum through Muslim extremists,” a Christian source told Morning Star News.
The source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, added that the Christian family is an inspiration to other refugees from Darfur, where thousands of civilians have been killed amid conflict between Arab militias battling non-Arab rebels.
“I believe the Lord will work through Ibrahim and his family, and that they will be a blessing to many of their communities and families who live with them from Darfur,” the Christian source said. “Many of our Sudanese brothers and sisters who have been victims of war and religious persecution are desperately in need of the mercy of the Father through Jesus Christ, because all that they have seen is complete agony and devastation in the Muslim world.”
Following South Sudan’s split from Sudan in a 2011 referendum, the government in late 2012 began ridding the country of Christianity. It has bulldozed several church buildings, closed othersand deported South Sudanese who have live most if not all of their lives in Sudan, as well as many foreigners. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has said post-secession Sudan will adhere more exclusively to Islam and Arabic culture.
On June 30 bulldozers demolished the Sudanese Church of Christ in the Thiba Al Hamyida area of North Khartoum as church members watched, with security personnel threatening to arrest them if they tried to block their efforts, church members said. On Feb. 17, bulldozers accompanied by local police and security personnel destroyed the Sudanese Church of Christ building in the Ombada area of Omdurman, across the River Nile from Khartoum, without any advance notice.
Officials gave no reason for the demolition except that, as it was located in a “Muslim area,” the 300-member church was not wanted there, a church member said. Another source, a church leader, confirmed to Morning Star News that authorities destroyed the building and confiscated the land without warning. The orders came from the Ombada locality, or city council, sources said.
Besides raiding Christian bookstores and arresting Christians, authorities threatened to kill South Sudanese Christians who do not leave or cooperate with them in their effort to find other Christians (see Morning Star News).
Due to its treatment of Christians and other human rights violations, Sudan has been designated a Country of Particular Concern by the U.S. State Department since 1999, and in April 2013, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended the country remain on the list.
Ibrahim, the source said, deeply loves Sudan and has supported those oppressed under the regime of Bashir, especially Christians who have been tortured.
“He has dedicated himself to bringing awareness to the free world to get engaged in their plight,” he said. “Let us all keep praying for Ibrahim’s family, that their situation will get better.”
DON’T STAND IN SILENCE! Unite in prayer with us on Sunday Nov. 2 any time during the 12 hour period 8am-8pm EDT on the IDOP Prayer Conference Call hosted by Persecution Watch. VOP along with other organizations will collaborate with them for this event. Encourage your church and others to join with us! SEE DETAILS HERE. And Please remember the persecuted in your daily prayers.
Mark your calendar -IDOP14 Participate and PRAY with us for the Persecuted Church!
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A Growing Trend That Is Disturbing
Recently we have noticed a growing trend that disturbing to us. The news lately has wrenched our heart and souls. we’ve spent countless hours in prayer and tears over the slaughter in the Middle East. The persecution of our brethren in not so distant lands has disturbed us all. But there is a growing trend that’s very troubling. Not to say that people can’t defend themselves against terror or evil that is encompassing the world. With that said, we can’t stoop to levels that represent the very evil that is coming against us. We have all seen the campaign by demonic entities to present themselves as honorable warriors for their god. But to take on the very protocol that they are doing is not honorable.
We have witnessed first hand even Christian sites encouraging and even supporting mercenaries to travel to these lands to fight and kill these evil entities. I call them entities because they and their actions are not human. Are we to resort to inhuman activities as well? Are we not to be separate from this? Are we not to shine a light into the darkness and lead all to Christ? Why not support life saving aid missions that are actually making a difference for those fleeing persecution and slaughter? We have all seen the governmental aid that has been intercepted by ISIS, why are we not demanding accountability from our governments for this aid? Why are we not demanding accountability from our governments who fund and aid in the billions to countries who abuse not only basic human fundamental rights, but the rights of all to have freedom?
Recently there have also been many glamorizing this fight. We applaud any country who makes a stand for freedom, but to glamorize killing in anyway goes against every principal we stand for. We not only advocate for Christians who are persecuted but for everyone oppressed, everyone who doesn’t have a voice or means to rise up and confront evil. We can not condone radicalization in any way, means or form. Recently the movement calling women to join the fight against ISIS is also disturbing. Photos and videos glamorized with women in full makeup looking more like beauty queens than soliders. Not only are they disgusting, they are inciting evil to conquer and kill these women. Another woman was captured recently by ISIS and beheaded. This is not glam, it’s not honorable but neither is the call to join militias to kill in the name of God.
Jesus’ words, “there is coming a time when they will kill you thinking they are doing a service to God”, which not only applies to this inhuman evil, but to us as well. This ideology is dangerous, dark and false. So are we to participate in it? No. This is why we can not and will not be a part of this in any way. Think long and hard before you condone or become complicit in these types of activities. We have prayed long and hard about this, and this is what the Holy Spirit lays on our hearts.
“How far do you go to stop evil, before you are also evil?”
Pray for Knowledge, Wisdom, and Guidance, pray for our brethren and all innocent and lost souls in the world facing evil. Pray for God’s mercy. Pray for world leaders to turn to God and use righteous judgements and actions. Pray for the world to turn to Faith instead of fear. Pray for God’s almighty hand of judgement and protection.
Steadfast in Prayer #PrayOn
PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTED
One month ago thousands to millions of people across the globe gathered to pray for our Brother Pastor Saeed Abedini’s release. Today Saeed has been imprisoned for 2 years and 1 month, this article is a reminder to continue to pray for his release.
If you look back to the 7 points of prayer of the vigil the first prayer request is for Saeed’s immediate release. As Colossians 4:2 (ESV) urges us to “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” I humbly request that you continue to pray for Saeed and for his immediate release.
Recently, on October 24, 2013 an article was written encouraging us to pray for a minimum of 2 minutes a day for the immediate release (http://freeallthree.com/2014/10/24/thirty-days-to-november-24-deadline-for-p51-iran-to-reach-final-nuke-deal-can-you-pray2minutes/). This is one worthy of being read.
Encouraging 2 minute prayer, one that might look like this;
“Dear God, thank you for allowing me to pray for my brother Saeed Abedini, and the persecuted church. You encourage us in Matthew 21:22 (ESV) “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. “to ask in faith as well as in James 1:6 (ESV), “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” without doubt I ask with faith for Saeed’s release and the many other refugees and believers in Christ that you know.
I thank you God for the growth in my faith through the persecuted trials, thank you that I can pray earnestly night and day for our brother and sisters in Christ who suffer, through this fill what is lacking in my faith. You tell us in 1 Thessalonians 3:10 (ESV), “ as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?”, show me where I can grow, challenge me and comfort me in times of growth. I love you God and thank you for your son Jesus who died and rose for my salvation.
I ask that in my life I can be a testimony for you, that those in persecution will be an encouraging factor in my life to share Christ with boldness. As Apostle Paul has done in Phillipi may I have the same boldness in my household, town, and beyond? I am reminded of that boldness in 1 Thessalonians 2:2 (ESV), “But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.” As Paul has done and my persecuted brothers in Christ have done. Prepare me for the persecution in my life, your Word tells us in 2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV) “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” All who desire to live godly lives in your son will be persecuted, let my life reflect you, I welcome the persecution and count it joy when these trials come, as you say in James 1:2 (ESV), “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,”
I pray this in your precious Son’s name: Jesus Christ, may I glorify Him in everything, Amen.”
Setting an online timer, the prayer above is a little over 2 minutes. I encourage you to pray that daily. I also encourage you to add to it, as the Lord leads you, add to it.
Mark your calendar -IDOP14 Participate and PRAY with us for the Persecuted Church!
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The shared attachment is an opportunity for you to participate in a worldwide prayer meeting. This year, Voice of the Persecuted is uniting together in prayer with other organizations and in promoting the International Day of Prayer, or IDOP, among Christians in the U.S and around the world. In the spirit of oneness that Christ commanded: For, if one suffers, we all suffer (Hebrews 13:3).
I challenge all of you, as it is written in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV), to “pray without ceasing,” Join me and thousands around the world on Sunday November 2nd between 8a and 8p and again on Sunday November 9th between 8a to 8p to do one thing and that is PRAY ON.
by Dr. Jim Seward
Asia Bibi’s young daughters tortured by blasphemy accusers
Family of Asia Bibi
The two young daughters of Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian sentenced to death for blasphemy, have spoken about their own violent treatment at the hands of their mother’s accusers.
Esham was just 9 years old when she was warned by friends that her mother was being attacked in the field where she worked as a berry picker.
“I rushed to the spot and found that she was being abused and tortured by men. They had even torn her clothes,” Esham, now 14, told the MailOnline.
After running home and returning with a new dress for her mother, Esham says the men began torturing her, too. They used offensive slurs and dragged the two women into the village. “We were both crying but there was nobody to listen to us,” she recalls. READ MORE
Thirty days to November 24 deadline for P5+1, Iran to reach final nuke deal. Can you #Pray2Minutes?
Wendy Sherman, Under Secretary of State, U.S. Dept. of State, addressing CSIS symposium in Washington DC, October 23, 2014.
Could you pray 2 minutes?
At a critical moment in Jesus’ life, he famously asked his closest friends, who had fallen asleep, “Could you not pray with Me one hour?” (Matthew chapter 26, verse 40.) With approximately 30 days remaining to the Iran nuclear talks deadline, we are asking supporters of these 4 men: Robert ‘Bob’ Levinson, Amir Hekmati, Pastor Saeed Abedini and Jason Rezaian (a Washington Post reporter who was recently jailed), to #Pray2Minutes per day for their release. That will be one hour over 30 days! If you can do more, please do.
But can you imagine the power of prayer if 1000’s or even a million persons would be united in prayer over this one thing? Freedom for these men is not an impossibility, since nothing is impossible with God. The challenge though is moving our own selves to compel our flesh to pray for 2 minutes (see v. 41).
What to pray for?
Join us and our friends at Iran: Free All Three as they encourage us to pray. See more here and please share. We need your help to get the world praying!
Jihadists? Or Demons?
John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
(Voice of the Persecuted) There is not even one day that goes by now that I don’t sit at the computer with tears in my eyes. Story after story and report after report of human rights abuses so intense and evil that you can feel your heart breaking, and your soul restless. Another woman has been murdered. This time in Syria. She was barbarically stoned to death for a charge of adultery. Her executioner with her father’s blessing asked for her last words and she said this: “I advise every woman to protect her honor more than her life,” she says. And I ask every man, before he marries off his daughter, to scrutinize her new marital environment.” (More)
This inhuman, vulgar and demoniacal ideology and the demons that carry it out in these modern times is unbelievable…but it is happening. These demons that the world has named ‘jihadists’ or ‘ extremists’ are not human, what they are is inhuman. It’s appalling, pathetic and wretched that the UN and western governments won’t call them what they really are. They are not honorable, they are not religious. And it’s beyond comprehension the world’s incompetence in fighting against this. Rings of prophecy.
Pray for God’s mercy in the Islamic nations. The persecution of minorities, Christians and women is reaching untold numbers. Pray for protection for the innocent people caught in this pit from Hell.
WARNING: Extremely disturbing images
Pray AS Ebola Cases Rise Sharply In Western Sierra Leone
Screen Shot Prayer Cast
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone AP — After emerging months ago in eastern Sierra Leone, Ebola is now hitting the western edges of the country where the capital is located with dozens of people falling sick each day, the government said Tuesday. So many people are dying that removing bodies is reportedly a problem. via Ebola cases rise sharply in western Sierra Leone – Yahoo News.
The Ebola virus is claiming the lives of thousands in West Africa, with some projecting those numbers to escalate into the millions. With no known cure, the disease has ravaged and devastated entire families and towns with a survival rate of only around 50%. Concentrated in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, the Ebola outbreak of 2014 is the worst in history and has spread at alarming rates. It has already reached other nations, with confirmed cases in Nigeria, Senegal, and even the United States and Spain.
Limited resources and hospital capacity have made it impossible for many to receive the care needed to save their lives. Many medical professionals have contracted the disease in an effort to help control it. But Ebola has proven to be beyond man’s control, unleashing widespread global fear.
Yet we know and believe that nothing is beyond the power and authority of God, and that only He is able to stop this disease. In this crisis we grieve not just physical death, but the death of thousands of souls unprepared for eternity. God alone holds the power to forgive and to heal (Psalm 103:3).
“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave” (Psalm 107:19,20). If there is to be any end to this crisis, we know it can only come from the hand of God; and so we cry to the Lord not only for the healing of the body, but also the soul. We pray that the spread of Ebola would be stopped and replaced by an unprecedented spreading of the Gospel across West Africa and around the world.
Visit Prayercast at http://www.prayercast.com
Christian school told Back ‘British values’ or face downgrading
Schools are at risk of “infringing the rights of children, parents and teachers” to practise their religious beliefs, the Christian Institute has warned.
The warning comes following an independent Christian school being told it may be rated just “adequate”, rather than its current “good” status, by Ofsted inspectors.
The school is accused of “not promoting other faiths,” deputy director of the Christian Institute, Simon Calvert, said.
“Astonishingly it was told it should invite representatives of other faith groups to lead assemblies and lessons, such as an Imam,” he added.
Calvert said this is evidence of new regulations, established in the wake of the Trojan Horse scandal, “requiring Ofsted inspection teams to behave in ways which do not respect the religious ethos of faith schools”.
“The wording of the regulations inevitably results in these kind of outcomes. While we obviously support attempts to address the problem of radicalisation, the current regulations fail to do this,” he said.
According to the Telegraph, the Christian Institute is providing legal support to the school, and has outlined its concerns in a letter to Education Secretary Nicky Morgan. READ MORE
VOICE OF THE PERSECUTED 